Weinstein was later convicted of rape on two coasts, as well as other crimes, and is serving a lengthy sentence. He was as entitled to a robust defense as anyone else, as guaranteed by the Bill of Rights. But either way, everyone is entitled to a defense, whether in criminal or civil court. The church had a right to legal defense on sexual abuse as well as any other matter, and lawyers (and their families) should not be demonized for providing it. This includes the right of lawyers to take unpopular cases and their responsibility to give their clients the strongest possible defense.

Source: Los Angeles Times March 12, 2024 16:14 UTC