My Clients, the Liars

Overall reaction to the essays

• Many found the main piece and the linked “Eleven Magic Words” and other posts gripping, powerful, and illuminating about parts of the justice system they knew little about.
• Some readers felt “Eleven Magic Words” was anticlimactic because the pivotal judicial decision seemed arbitrary; others argued that arbitrariness is exactly the point and the source of its power.
• A few readers thought the writing style confusing at times (e.g., expecting callbacks to “elves”) or took issue with specific word choices, but generally agreed it was strong narrative writing.

Lying clients and incentives

• Broad agreement that defendants often lie to their lawyers, even when it undermines their defense.
• Explanations split:
  • One view: lying is mostly manipulative and self-serving, trying to “launder” their narrative through counsel.
  • Another view: lying comes from deep distrust of the system, life experience that “truth never helps,” and fear that any admission will be weaponized.
• Several lawyers emphasized that lying to counsel is one of the worst things a defendant can do and destroys credibility and strategic options.

Attitude and professionalism of public defenders

• Some critics found the described attitude mocking, classist, and incompatible with a defender’s role, especially toward disadvantaged and traumatized clients.
• Others argued venting frustration in writing is understandable; what matters is vigorous advocacy in court, which they believe the writer provides.
• Debate over whether mocking signals lack of empathy and could lead to giving up on clients who behave irrationally.

Police, prosecution, and systemic fairness

• One camp asserts police frequently lie, cut corners, and even fabricate evidence, with little accountability; thus defenders must rigorously scrutinize the state’s case.
• Another camp, including people claiming courtroom experience, says most defendants are in fact guilty; the defender’s role is more about ensuring procedures are followed and charges fit conduct than uncovering widespread framing of innocents.
• Some tension over whether the writer underestimates how often police “mess up” or act improperly.

Legal ethics: lying in court and duties of candor

• Discussion of rules barring lawyers from presenting testimony they know is false, and how that can force mid‑trial withdrawal when clients insist on perjuring themselves.
• Disagreement over whether effective defense “requires” client lying; many argue no—defense should focus on challenging evidence, not fabricating facts.
• Some note jurisdictional variation and gray areas around what it means to “know” a client is lying.

Broader reflections on lying and trust

• Multiple comments generalize: clients, employers, consulting customers, real-estate buyers, and others often lie about budgets, goals, or culpability.
• Themes: misaligned incentives, fear of exploitation, and learned distrust push people to be less than truthful, even when honesty would yield better outcomes.