2 Responses to Alberto Gonzales and Leura Canary named to Top Ten Prosecutors list for 2008

1. GrievanceProject December 8th, 2008 at 5:42 am 1

   I received this comment from Ms. Simpson at The Grievance Project:

   I just wanted your readers to know that a large portion of the article written about me is false. I have never spoken with Mr Bennett and he mistates my role in this matter and mistates my testimony.

   I also received word that Glynn Wilson and Scott Horton are working on a reply to the list to address the errors.

   Reply
2. GrievanceProject December 8th, 2008 at 5:52 am 2

   It’s important to note that the point of the list is to highlight the conduct of the prosecutors and not Ms. Simpson’s conduct. Ms. Simpson’s actions have been anything but improper unethical. To the contrary, her conduct relating to the Siegelman prosecution has been an example of how an attorney is supposed to reply to the conduct of prosecutors like Leura Canary. The Preamble to the Alabama Rules of Professional Conduct clearly states that it is up to each attorney in Alabama to be involved in protecting the integrity of the legal profession:

   The legal profession is largely self-governing. Although other professions also have been granted powers of self-government, the legal profession is unique in this respect because of the close relationship between the profession and the processes of government and law enforcement. This connection is manifested in the fact that ultimate authority over the legal profession is vested largely in the courts.

   To the extent that lawyers meet the obligations of their professional calling, the occasion for government regulation is obviated. Self-regulation also helps maintain the legal profession’s independence from government domination. An independent legal profession is an important force in preserving government under law, for abuse of legal authority is more readily challenged by a profession whose members are not dependent on government for the right to practice.

   The legal profession’s relative autonomy carries with it special responsibilities of self-government. The profession has a responsibility to assure that its regulations are conceived in the public interest and not in furtherance of parochial or self-interested concerns of the bar. Every lawyer is responsible for observance of the Rules of Professional Conduct. A lawyer should also aid in securing their observance by other lawyers. Neglect of these responsibilities compromises the independence of the profession and the public interest which it serves.

   Lawyers play a vital role in the preservation of society. The fulfillment of this role requires an understanding by lawyers of their relationship to our legal system. The Rules of Professional Conduct, when properly applied, serve to define that relationship.

   Reply