Defending Hirota
An American lawyer overcomes his own prejudices to carry out his ethical obligation to defend former Japanese Premier Koki Hirota zealously.
A POWERFUL LEGAL ETHICS STORY FROM THE TOKYO WAR TRIALS OF MODERN RELEVANCE
Sometimes a story from the past can inform the present and provide guidance for the future...
This is the forgotten story of a "courageous and intellectually formidable" defense lawyer, David F. Smith, who overcame his own prejudices to carry out his ethical obligation to defend former Premier Koki Hirota zealously in the Tokyo War Trials (1946-48).
Don't miss the movie trailer style story introduction video below!
What General MacArthur planned as a 6-month "show trial" to avenge Pearl Harbor and war atrocities unexpectedly became a fierce 2-year legal battle as David F. Smith and a few dedicated lawyers challenged towering historical figures of the time.
Their advocacy for a fair trial and judicial review of egregious due process violations fell on deaf ears. Historical documents declassified many years later reveal the dignity and self-sacrifice of Premier Hirota and despite Smith's all-out efforts (including a pro bono petition to the U.S. Supreme Court) the tragic execution of an innocent man.
Principles that Stand the Test of Time
Seventy years later, the principles of international justice forcefully advocated by David F. Smith and colleagues have now been vindicated in Supreme Court jurisprudence in the War on Terror and in legislation rebalancing how we treat our worst enemies while protecting Americans in a new kind of war.
It concludes by tracing Supreme Court jurisprudence through the overruling of Korematsu (US 1944) in the Travel Ban case to present-day headlines, making it a "remarkably timely course."
Defending Hirota examines legal professionalism in the heat of battle and the central role of lawyers in our Constitutional system of checks and balances. It is a story rich in conflict, dilemma, irony, courage and sacrifice that will inspire you and other lawyers to write the next chapter in this timeless story...
Approved for MCLE Legal Ethics in the following states.
| Virginia (2.0 Hrs) |
VSB Approval Ltr 2020-2021.pdf. (Pre-recorded Content) |
| California (2.0 Hrs) |
Single Provider #18767. CALBAR Approval Ltr.pdf Why "Single Providers" are not in the CALBAR Database |
| Florida (2.5 Hrs) | Florida Bar Approval.pdf (Feb. 1, 2021 to Aug. 31, 2022)). |
| Reciprocity in: |
NY, NJ, AK, AR, AZ, CT, ME, MT, ND, WI (Reciprocity List) |
Course Outline
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Introduction
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Part I: Japanese Expansion into China (1930s)
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Part II: The Pacific War
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Part III: Stern Justice
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Part IV: American Defense Counsel
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Part V: Politics, Power and Law
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Part VI: Due Process of Law
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Part VII: Final Verdict and Sentence
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Part VIII: The Great Writ
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Part IX: Zealous Advocate
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Epilogue: Subsequent History to Modern Times
What Attendees Are Saying
“Your course was overwhelmingly interesting...
My knowledge (during those time periods) acquired during my growing up in Japan, came back in the undeniable realities. My sincere respect and gratitude to [David F. Smith] for his remarkable, professional dedication and courage to fight for (past enemy) Mr. Hirota!”
Katsuko H. (Fairfax, VA)
“Sitting in the sunroom of the Commanding General’s quarters on Camp Zama, Japan…
I just completed your CLE about the Tokyo War Trials and very much enjoyed the pictures, clips and history that appeared throughout your presentation. Thank you for presenting your very informative course. Our complicated history with Japan following defeat and Occupation continues to this day and I j ust wanted convey my appreciation.”
Lizanne P., Esq.
“An excellent presentation!...
My thanks for aiding my understanding of this important chapter of American and world history. An excellent presentation!"”
Jeff B., Los Altos, CA
About Your Instructor
John Newman, Attorney
John A. Newman, Esq. has been a Va. Bar Member since 1981. He graduated from Georgetown University Law Center (LLM in Tax), Wake Forest University School of Law (J.D., Law Review) and Salisbury University (Business, Summa Cum Laude). His published law review articles have been cited by a unanimous decision of the U.S. Supreme Court (1983) and presented by invitation to the U.S. Senate Finance Committee (1986). He was nominated for a U.S. House of Representatives seat in 1988. He is a technology transactions lawyer and the father of three Eagle Scouts. Feel free to email John at [email protected] with any questions.
