It is the lawyer's clear duty to uphold human rights, whether in the loftiest or the lowliest; and when he undertakes to uphold a wrong outrageous as Slavery, his proper function is so far reversed that he can be aptly described only in the phrase of the Roman Church, Advocatus Diaboli, the Devil's Advocate.
Sumner argues that lawyers have a duty to defend human rights, and when they defend slavery, they become akin to the Devil's Advocate.
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More from Charles Sumner
Opening of United States courts to colored, XI. 389.
Contrary to Christianity, but upheld by the Church, I. 54, 58.
Slave Power, necessity of political action against the, II. 207.
Sovereignty of, belongs to the people, XVI. 28.
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