Talk About a Tough Client

One of the first lessons of trial advocacy is to try and humanize your client for the jury. Don't let the prosecution define him as a monster, define him yourself as a human being (albeit a deeply flawed one, perhaps). But imagine representing Saddam Hussein. Hussein's first (of many, possibly) trials is set to start tomorrow in Baghdad. USA Today has a lengthy article today in which it sets forth the charge and procedures for this trial, as well as the significant criticism from some in the international community about the trial. In rebuttal, the paper has another commentator who urges the international community to be more supportive of Iraq dealing with its own problem without resorting to a Yugoslav-style international tribunal.

As for humanizing Saddam, I'm not sure I'm that good of an advocate. Not because of what he is charged with doing, but because every time I see the man I picture him in a lover's quarrel with Satan from the South Park movie!