Probably the most important advice a lawyer can give a client is to remain silent. In criminal cases, any defense lawyer worth anything knows that police and prosecutors mean it when they warn that anything you say can and will be used against you.
The advice is equally invaluable in the civil arena, when a few words uttered by even the most innocent party can end up, rightly or wrongly, being the basis for a large-figure lawsuit. So St. Louis County Attorney Melanie Ford's caution to County Board members to cease speaking publicly about harassment cases -- out of concern that more may be filed -- should be accepted as the good counsel it is.
Should County Board members be able to exercise their right of unfettered free speech? Absolutely. But discretion dictates that the gasoline set off by getting a last word in or lobbing even a justified defensive remark shouldn't be poured on high-flaming emotions, which are running rampant in county government.
The admonition, by the way, shouldn't be interpreted as directed to one side of the board or any particular member or members. The entire body would be wise to heed the county lawyer's advice.
