How do lawyers feel about cops?

Question

Do they think they're idiots?

Answer 1

The first answerer here appears to be letting his own opinion get in the way of objectivity.

You'll find a broad spectrum of opinion among lawyers, just as you'd expect within society at large. Having known a great many police officers and dealt with them throughout my career, I've found the overwhelming number of them to be dedicated, professional and deserving of the public trust. Unfortunately, there are some who don't live up to the standards...just as there are some in all walks of life who don't live up to expectations.

But when the chips are down, I can't thing of anyone I'd rather have coming to my assistance than a police officer.

Answer 2

I agree with Old Fuzz, above. Not just police or attorneys, but most people generally try to do the right thing. Bad reputations for any group are usually earned by the few who abuse the rules or process.

As an attorney, I've dealt with some "bad" cops. I've also dealt with "bad" attorneys, accountants, city councilmen, etc. The percentage of those who are bad in every profession is always a small minority, but they are always the ones in the news.

Most law enforcement officers do not have doctoral degrees like almost all attorneys, but that doesn't mean the officers are stupid or idiots. Police are often put into the position where they have to make snap judgments about whether to arrest someone without being apprised of all the facts. They usually get it right, but sometimes they make a mistake. That is the very reason we have trials - so we can look at all the facts in a cold, dispassionate manner before punishing someone.

Law enforcement officers also have responsibilities most of us do not. I live in Florida and have gone through 4 major hurricanes and dozens of "minor" storms. The local officers had to work 16 hour days in the aftermath to keep me and my family safe; only at the end of their shifts could they go to their homes and deal with the damage there. Only 8 hours a day to clear debris, sleep, make repairs, and see to your family is ridiculous. I'm amazed they put up with it.

I respect law enforcement officers. No, I do not think they are idiots.

Answer 3

I don't know if I'd agree to such a broad over generalization.

Certainly their are lawyers that hold cops in contempt. Just as there are many cops who feel the same way about attorneys.

I have found that the majority of lawyers I dealt with over the years were decent, honest men and women trying to do the best for their client. I did run across a couple (and just a couple) there were unprincipled, lying, unethical, morons just out to make a buck.

Answer 4

Overall, I'd say that most lawyers think about cops the same way the majority if people think about cops.

That being said, I know many criminal defense lawyers who hold the opinion that most police officers don't actually respect the law, and that most cops are willing to break the law to achieve their goals.

Answer 5

Trials are "cold, dispassionate"? Didn't know that. I had fun cross-examining a police officer once. He was cool with it afterward. We had even been talking about general stuff before the trial began. Basically, I got him to go from "Big Bad Cop" to "I don't remember", which resulted in a favorable decision. (His direct testimony was from his police report. My cross was about his independent recollection of the events and observations recorded in his report: He had none. I took it from there, using photographs, etc.) Most attorneys do not interact with police in the discharge of their attorney functions, so most would not have any opinion specific to their professional experience as attorneys.