Final answer:
John Adams defended the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre, arguing that their actions were a response to the lawlessness of the mob. He believed in the importance of law and order in society.
Step-by-step explanation:
John Adams, a well-known patriot and cousin of Sam Adams, agreed to defend the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre. He believed that the soldiers had a right to be represented in court and that law and order were essential for society. Adams argued that the soldiers' actions were a response to the lawlessness of the unruly mob. Of the eight soldiers on trial, six were acquitted and the other two were convicted of manslaughter.