The Criminal Lawyer's Dilemma: Saul Goodman's Ethical Gray Area

Is Saul Goodman a criminal, or is he just...a criminal lawyer? The television show Better Call Saul [1] has not shied away from painting its protagonist in a complex ethical landscape, showcasing a man who operates on the fringes of legality and morality. Saul Goodman, known by his clients as "Jimmy McGill" until the series' end, has a history of involvement in criminal activities, and this raises a fascinating question: where does the line between criminal behavior and legal representation blur?

The Nature of Saul's Failures

Saul Goodman has committed a wide array of crimes, from petty offenses to serious felony charges. His transgressions include:

Acts of battery and physical assault (designed to protect or advance his clients) Tampering with evidence (to secure favorable outcomes for his clients) Theft and fraud (including real estate fraud and money laundering) Falsely reporting incidents (to cover up criminal activities or manipulate situations) Incitement and criminal conspiracy (engage in illicit enterprises with his clients) Drug trafficking Conspiracy to commit murder Stalking Impersonation of government officials and police officers (to exploit his portrayal of himself for legal and deterrent advantages) Illegal surveillance Extortion and blackmail (to secure payment for his services or maintain client loyalty)

These actions are not just morally questionable but outright illegal, and Saul engages in them not out of personal gain but in his role as a purportedly unethical yet innovatively effective criminal lawyer.

Saul's Ethical Justifications

Despite his transgressions, Saul often justifies his actions based on the belief that he is fighting for his clients' rights and interests. He is a master manipulator of the legal system, often subverting its intended purpose to achieve desired outcomes for his clients. This leads to a complex ethical dilemma: does the end justify the means? [2]

Quoting Saul Goodman

“You don't want a criminal lawyer... you want a criminal lawyer!”

Saul Goodman in response to clients seeking a legitimate legal professional.

When stated by Saul, this quote encapsulates the complexity of his character. He is not merely a lawyer, but a lawyer who, through unconventional means, often achieves his clients' desired outcomes. His words reflect a twisted sense of moral relativism, where the right to bend or break specific laws is justified by the need to secure personal freedom and prosperity.

A Paradoxical Character

The character of Saul Goodman is a study in contradiction. He is deeply flawed yet as a lawyer, he often appears to be ahead of his time. His aggressive and innovative legal tactics are an early example of what would later be known as "aggressive defense" in the legal arena. However, his actions are never without consequences, whether legal, ethical, or both.

His character provides a critical examination of the relationship between legality and morality. As an antagonistic figure who is still sympathetic to many, Saul Goodman raises questions about the nature of justice and the ethics of legal representation. His story is a stark reminder of the fine line that exists between legal representation and criminal behavior.

Conclusion: Panache and Consequences

In Better Call Saul, Saul Goodman is more than just an unscrupulous lawyer. He is a character who demands to be reckoned with, both stylistically and ethically. Despite his questionable methods, he commands respect for his panache and the unconventional strategies he employs. The show challenges viewers to contemplate the nature of right and wrong, legality and ethics, within the framework of a character who operates outside societal norms.

Ultimately, Saul Goodman's character is an exploration of the ethical gray area that exists when the law is used as a tool for personal gain, often at the expense of justice. His story is a thrilling and provocative examination of the complex interplay between legality and morality, and the often murky line between right and wrong.

References

[1] Bolt, A. (2015). Better Call Saul: Season 1. Amazon Prime Video. [2] Haycraft, C. (2019). "Bending the Rules: Legal Techniques and Their Ethical Implications." Yale Law Journal, 118(2), 394-422.