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Simple English definitions for legal terms
hired gun
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A quick definition of hired gun:
Term: HIRED GUN
Definition: A hired gun is someone who is paid to do a job, but they may not always do what is right or fair. For example, an expert witness who testifies in favor of the person who pays them, even if it's not true, is a hired gun. It can also refer to a lawyer who will do anything to help their client, even if it's not ethical or moral.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: A hired gun is a term used to describe two types of professionals:
- An expert witness who testifies favorably for the party paying his or her fee, often because of that financial relationship rather than because of the facts.
- A lawyer who stops at nothing to accomplish the client's goals, regardless of moral consequences.
Examples:
- A doctor who testifies in court that a certain medication is safe and effective, even though they know it has harmful side effects, because they were paid by the pharmaceutical company producing the drug.
- A lawyer who defends a client accused of a crime by using unethical tactics, such as bribing witnesses or hiding evidence, in order to win the case.
These examples illustrate how a hired gun can prioritize financial gain or winning a case over ethical behavior or the truth. It is important to be aware of the potential biases and motivations of expert witnesses and lawyers in order to make informed decisions and ensure justice is served.