Legal defense has played a crucial role in Black history, as African Americans have often faced systemic discrimination and injustice within the criminal justice system. Throughout history, there have been several key moments and individuals who have worked tirelessly to provide legal defense for Black individuals facing wrongful accusations or unfair treatment.

One of the most notable examples of legal defense in Black history is the case of the Scottsboro Boys in the 1930s. Nine young Black men were falsely accused of raping two white women in Alabama, and they faced a biased legal system stacked against them. The International Labor Defense, with lawyers like Clarence Darrow, stepped in to defend the Scottsboro Boys, highlighting the racial prejudice and lack of due process in the case. Although the Scottsboro Boys initially faced harsh convictions, their legal defense team's efforts ultimately led to overturned verdicts and landmark legal rulings that improved the rights of defendants in the United States.

Another important figure in Black legal defense history is Thurgood Marshall, who went on to become the first African American Supreme Court Justice. Marshall was a pioneering civil rights lawyer who successfully argued the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education before the Supreme Court, leading to the desegregation of public schools in the United States. Throughout his career, Marshall fought tirelessly for equal rights and justice for African Americans, using the legal system to challenge discriminatory practices and policies.

In more recent history, organizations like the NAACP Legal Defense Fund have continued the legacy of legal defense in Black history by advocating for civil rights and racial justice in the courts. These organizations provide legal representation to individuals facing discrimination and work to advance policies that promote equality and fairness in the justice system.

Overall, legal defense has been a critical tool in the fight for racial justice and equality in Black history, allowing marginalized communities to challenge oppressive systems and secure important legal victories that have shaped the course of civil rights in the United States.