Compare And Contrast John Adams And The Boston Massacre Trial

Defending the Unpopular: John Adams and the Boston Massacre Trial

The 1760s brought plenty of political tension between Britain and its colonies. Britain, suffering financially, had enforced tax acts onto the colonies to “repay them” for defending them in the Seven Years' War. The colonists, however, did not take this lightly, arguing that Britain had no right to tax them without representation in their government. On March 5, 1770, a fight broke out between Boston colonists and a squad from the 29th regiment when the crowd taunted and threw objects. The English soldiers fired and left five dead, including a 12-year-old boy. The next day, British Loyalist James Forest begged John Adams to represent Captain Preston and his men. No lawyers had

Firstly, taking the case may help his future political aspirations. Representing the British Captain in a critical case would show Adams’ legal expertise and ability to handle difficult situations, increasing his reputation as a good lawyer. Furthermore, by taking the case, Adams would be upholding his principles of justice and ensuring that everyone is entitled to a fair trial, as under British law at the time, was not the case. As James Forest claimed, “His [Captain Preston’s] life is in danger, he has no one to defend him. Mr. Adams, would you consider–will you take his case?” Taking the case would make a statement about his policies and image as a fair lawyer. Moreover, he would not just be improving his. According to Reasoning with Democratic Values, Adams told his good friend, Josiah Quincy, “It will serve our enemies well if we publish proof that the people’s cause in America is led by a mere mob.” Taking the case would help change how the rest of the world viewed the colonies. By showing that individuals from the colonies valued justice and fairness, Adams could shut down the negative stereotypes of the colonists and present them as a society that wanted to uphold the law. This evidence shows that John Adams was right to take the case, as it would improve the future of him and the colonies moving

RWDV says, “The jury acquitted Captain Preston on the basis of ‘reasonable doubt’ and acquitted six of the eight soldiers. Two soldiers were found guilty of manslaughter and thus escaped the death penalty.” Although there were some drawbacks, Adams was right to take the case and defend the Captain and his men. He demonstrated his dedication to the principles of justice and the due process of law, and he helped improve the image of the colonies. The Boston Massacre and its aftermath continue to serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding principles in the face of adversity and a testament to the power of justice and fairness in shaping