Kevin Clymo, the unabomber’s defense attorney died today from complications of surgery. 

Sacramento defense attorney Kevin Clymo, who defended the Unabomber and some of the region’s other most notorious criminals, died Wednesday evening following extensive back surgery, according to his brother.

Clymo, 58, had recently been appointed to defend a 20-year-old man accused of shooting to death a California Highway Patrol officer near Woodland in November. The trial had been scheduled for this summer.(SacBee 5/4/06)

I don’t think defense attorneys get enough credit for the work that they do.  They fill a need in scoiety that few would dare to touch.  They take cases for wages far below market.  I’m not suggesting anybody cry for attorneys, but what I am suggesting is that we, as a nation, need to get more serious about the document that forms the basis for our whole government, the Constitution.  California needs to ensure that the public defenders have the resources to provide adequate defenses for even the most heinous criminals.  For without rule of law, we are no better than common thugs or terrorists.  Are you listening Mr. President?