Easy call. I would simply turn in my license and find another way to make a living.
Sometimes ethics and morality are not the same thing. How can there not be a procedure to release an innocent person from a grave injustice? Do the rights of deceased guilty individuals outweigh the rights of innocent living people? Should one innocent person spend their life in prison in order to protect lawyer client privilege? If anyone wanted to weigh that question, put themselves in Mr Hunts position. I’m pretty sure they would want the injustice reversed.
Easily said. So what about those law school debts (most lawyers aren’t rich and have to pay off their debts over many years), spouse to support, kids, years spent learning your livelihood, etc? Screw them too, eh? More easily said from behind a keyboard than done.
Such a simpistic attitude is unworthy of Free Republic, but sadly far too common lately. Kudos to the attorney for biting the bullet, esp. since the client has passed and cannot be harmed in any meaningful way, but this is a very complex issue with ramifications for the entire due process and right to counsel issues.
However, here’s a way too keep yourself personally from being a complete hypocrit on this topic: If you ever need a lawyer, sign a complete waiver or at least post mortem waiver of all attorney client-priviledge before retaining him/her. What, you don’t like the idea? Might harm your rights or your estate’s (kids, if you have any)? Well, that is what you are advocating for others without their consent...