Q&A: Legal Representation for Terrorists by the Public Defender’s Office
Legal Representation for Terrorists by the Public Defender’s Office
Question
Hello Rabbi,
I heard that the Public Defender’s Office is refusing to represent the Hamas terrorists. In your opinion, is that an appropriate step? Or just as our murderers and rapists are represented, should they be represented too?
Best regards,
Answer
In principle, it’s clear that they are entitled to representation. As long as you haven’t convicted them, they are not yet Hamas terrorists. Either way, if you kill them in the field then there is no legal procedure, and if you bring them to trial then it has to be conducted according to due process.
But by the same token, it’s also clear that there is no reason to fund their representation, and as far as I know the Public Defender’s Office provides free representation. That they certainly do not deserve. Let them pay for a lawyer.
Discussion on Answer
Then let them represent themselves or raise the money.
And if they don’t have money?