Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Mouthpiece is a word that means a lawyer, especially one who defends people who have done bad things. Some people use this word to say that lawyers are not good people because they help bad guys get away with things. It's not a nice word to use for a lawyer.
Mouthpiece is a slang term for a lawyer, especially a criminal defense lawyer. It means that the lawyer is seen as the spokesperson for their client.
However, the term is not a positive one when applied to lawyers. It suggests that the lawyer lacks integrity and represents criminal clients without caring for justice to be served.
For example, in the case of Rudin v. Dow Jones & Co., the term mouthpiece was used to describe a lawyer as a "puppet, cat's paw, tool, instrument; operative, front, mercenary, servant, hireling, henchman." This calls into question the lawyer's sense of professional responsibility.
In summary, the term mouthpiece is a negative slang term used to describe a lawyer who is seen as lacking integrity and representing criminal clients without caring for justice to be served.