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Criticism of new DA shows lack of understanding of history of the legal system.

There has been a lot of criticism when a very active defense counsel was elected district attorney in Philadelphia County. Are there ethical implications?

There are no ethical implications. The election of a well-experienced criminal defense lawyer has apparently raised the hackles of a number of assistant district attorneys, some who have gone public. Also, it seemed to unhinge the Fraternal Order of Police who have made numerous criticisms.

What is ignored is the fact that traditionally the district attorney always served at one point as a criminal defense lawyer. Only in the last 15 or 20 years has the concept of a professional prosecutor really been accepted. Until recently, for 200 years private lawyers often worked as assistant district attorneys and then back to private practice. Many times an experienced defense lawyer, in their late 40s or 50s, ran for district attorney, became elected and served usually with distinction.