Certified Legal Professional (CLP) Practice Exam

Was the defense attorney's statement to the jury proper during the closing arguments?

1. No, because the attorney attempted to influence the jurors with emotion

2. No, because the attorney asserted a personal opinion as to the justness of the cause of the 2nd Amendment

3. Yes, because the attorney promoted the importance of the 2nd Amendment rights

4. Yes, because the attorney showed loyalty to the gun rights organization

The correct answer is: No, because the attorney asserted a personal opinion as to the justness of the cause of the 2nd Amendment

In assessing the defense attorney's statement during the closing arguments, it's essential to understand the role of attorneys in presenting their cases. An attorney is expected to focus on legal reasoning and factual evidence rather than expressing personal opinions. When an attorney makes assertions that convey a personal belief about the righteousness or morality of a legal cause, such as the Second Amendment, it can undermine the impartiality required in legal proceedings. Therefore, if the attorney claimed personal conviction regarding the justness of the Second Amendment, this could bias the jury and detract from a fair evaluation of the facts presented. Juries must rely on the law and the evidence to render their verdicts, and an attorney presenting subjective opinions can mislead them. Thus, it is crucial for attorneys to maintain a clear boundary between personal beliefs and the legal arguments grounded in the case at hand.