For example, if a police officer unjustly kills a Black woman in cold blood, and the victim’s cousin’s daughter is a defense attorney who helps get the officer acquitted, would she be morally wrong for defending him?
For example, if a police officer unjustly kills a Black woman in cold blood, and the victim’s cousin’s daughter is a defense attorney who helps get the officer acquitted, would she be morally wrong for defending him?
Yes, it’s called conflict of interest. Your question is a loaded question because it states that the officer “kills” the victim and it was “unjustly”. Let’s a officer is accused of causing the death of the victim. The cousin lawyer may not do all the work required to defend against the allegations or may hide evidence that he is innocent since it doesn’t fit what they want.
On the other hand, maybe cousin lawyer hated the victim. Maybe the cousin slept with the lawyer’s husband. Maybe the lawyer suspects she can get a payout in a civil court later if the cop is convicted.
The risks of these occurring are so great that this shouldn’t even be considered and I think would be banned by the bar association.