how do defense attorneys deal with the moral dilemma of representing people they know are guilty?

Follow Bob Pursley's link on the difference between Morals and Ethics in his response to "Ilisa" a little further down this list: it'll give you some help in at least defining the problem, if not some help answering it.

http://www.jiskha.com/display.cgi?id=1284869187

This is what David is referring to.

Defense attorneys often face the moral dilemma of representing clients whom they believe to be guilty. This dilemma highlights the tension between their duty to the client and their personal beliefs about justice. Here are some ways defense attorneys navigate this ethical challenge:

1. Presumption of innocence: Defense attorneys uphold the principle of "innocent until proven guilty." They understand that their role is not to judge guilt but to ensure that their client's constitutional rights are protected throughout the legal process. They approach each case with the mindset that their client deserves a fair trial regardless of suspicions or personal beliefs.

2. Upholding due process: Defense attorneys focus on ensuring that the legal system functions properly and everyone, including the accused, receives a fair trial. They work to hold the prosecution accountable, question evidence, challenge procedures, and highlight any flaws in the case against their client. By doing so, they help prevent wrongful convictions and protect the integrity of the justice system.

3. Zealous advocacy: Defense attorneys are obligated to zealously advocate for their clients' legal interests. This means providing the best possible defense within the boundaries of ethical and legal standards. By examining evidence, seeking alternative explanations, and presenting counterarguments, they help uphold the adversarial nature of the legal system and ensure a fair and balanced representation for their clients.

4. Professional detachment: Defense attorneys often develop a professional detachment to avoid personal biases and judgments. They approach their clients' cases with objectivity and maintain an emotional distance. This mindset allows them to focus on the legal and procedural aspects rather than becoming overly influenced by their personal beliefs about guilt or innocence.

5. Confidentiality and trust: Defense attorneys build trust and establish professional relationships with their clients. Attorney-client privilege ensures that confidential communication remains protected. This confidential relationship allows clients to share sensitive information honestly, enabling defense attorneys to provide effective representation while balancing the ethical considerations involved.

It is important to note that defense attorneys aim to uphold the principles of justice even if they suspect their clients are guilty. Their role is to safeguard constitutional rights, ensure due process, and provide the best possible defense within the limits of the law.