What made John Adams defend the British soldiers of the Boston Massacre?

Question

He made sure they had a trial by jury and everything! What made him see to it that they had such a fair trial?

Answer 1

He believed every defendant had a right to a fair trial even if he didn't side politically with the charged.

Answer 2

Because he believed in the Judicial system, and was a fair man

Answer 3

Because he was a righteous man. As was his kid, JQ Adams.

Answer 4

He had to set a precedent-if they were slaughtered out of hand the infant USA would have been seen as a bunch of indisciplined rabble rousing scum, rather than just rebels with a just cause, fighting nobly and with honour. Rmember, Britain had a parliament where policy was debated, any such brutality would have dried up any support the rebels might had have from British politicians.

It is very doubtful the French would have become openly involved with a mob ruled movement otherwise-he probably save the revolution!

Answer 5

He believed in true justice. He had a conscience.

He was a true believer.

Answer 6

He was a lawyer at the time and he believed in the rule of law.