My lord, I have some matter of law relating to the indictment, and I desire counsel to speak to it.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
I'm an old trial lawyer.
I would be loath to speak ill of any person who I do not know deserves it, but I am afraid he is an attorney.
Indictments of any kind are serious. That being said, let's not forget that an indictment is not a conviction. We still have due process in this country.
A jury of my countrymen, it is true, have found me guilty of the crime of which I stood indicted. For this I entertain not the slightest feeling of resentment towards them.
Let us hold our discussion together in our own persons, making trial of the truth and of ourselves.
I don't seek the counsel of God. God doesn't speak to me on what I should or shouldn't do.
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law.
When I was a young prosecutor, I got called to testify against my boss. I could have backed down, but I didn't. I stood up to him. And he fired me for it.
Police and prosecutors and the courts have got to talk together.
I think there's a lot to be said for keeping your own counsel.