Prepare for the Criminal Justice Test with our study materials. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question comes with hints and explanations. Ace your exam confidently!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


The role of defense lawyers is to.

  1. mislead the court by providing false information

  2. decide their clients' guilt or innocence

  3. mislead the court by using perjured testimony

  4. provide the best possible legal counsel and advocacy within ethical limits

The correct answer is: provide the best possible legal counsel and advocacy within ethical limits

The role of defense lawyers is to provide the best possible legal counsel and advocacy within ethical limits. This responsibility includes ensuring that the rights of their clients are protected throughout the legal process and that they receive a fair trial. Defense attorneys are dedicated to representing their clients vigorously while adhering to the ethical standards set forth by legal and professional organizations. Attorneys must work to present all relevant evidence, challenge the prosecution's case, and advocate for their clients' interests, regardless of the charges against them. This process is essential in upholding the principle of due process, which is a cornerstone of the criminal justice system. Legal representation plays a critical role in balancing the scales of justice, allowing individuals to navigate complex legal proceedings. In contrast to this professional duty, misleading the court or using false information would undermine the integrity of the legal system and could lead to serious consequences for all parties involved. Therefore, the emphasis on ethical practice is crucial to maintaining trust and fairness in legal proceedings.