John Adams

In 1770, Adams agreed to represent the british soldiers on trial for killing five civilians in what became known as the Boston Massacre. He justified defending the soldiers on the grounds that the facts of a case were more important to him than the passionate actions of the people. He believed that every person deserved a defense, and he took the case without hesitation. During the trial, Adams presented evidence that suggested blame also lay upon the mob that had gathered, and that the first soldier who fired upon the crowd was simply responding the way anyone would when faced a similar life-threatening situation.