[SteveH]

While we are at it, we might well consider why any lawyer who wants to keep his licence and not be held in contempt of court is effectively intimidated and coerced away from arguing in court for the principle of jury nullification on behalf of clients.

(Y'all remember jury nullification, don't you? If you don't, just recall about the "Fugitive Slave Act" in the North in the years before the Civil War... don we now our asbestos underwear... ;-)

[american spirit]

It might be interesting to note that lawyers are not licensed in the usual sense by any state created agency and operate using a "BAR" card. I'm under the impression they are also considered an "officer of the court" which dictates their real allegiance lies and the obvious fact is if a lawyer expects to have any kind of career he needs to stay on the good side of judges and go with the flow.