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"Is it not the duty of defense council to make the best case it can for the defendents?"

According to the ABA, "...The basic duty defense counsel owes to the administration of justice and as an officer of the court is to serve as the accused's counselor and advocate with courage and devotion and to render effective, quality representation."

While I suppose qualitative arguments can be made regarding definitions for your term, "best case," and the ABA's terms, "effective, quality representation," I would contend that from a purely ethical and moral standpoint, neither the "best case," nor "effective quality representation," consist of blaming or smearing the victim.

Certainly, I understand that in the real world, many prosecutors and defense attorneys have less interest in justice being done than they do in chalking up a win, but at least in theory, a defense counsel's duty is to justice, and ensuring that the defendant's rights are respected in regard to the application of procedure.