This is a very tricky situation.

 

On the one hand, getting the contents of the phone could lead to important information regarding national security.  Having Apple's assistance to do this would be a great help.  On the other hand, a tool such as this in the wrong hands could be disastrous.

 

In my opinion, this should have never been leaked/given to the press.  I think that Apple is doing the right thing by refusing because they don't need to be involved in this sort of thing.  They are in the technology business, not in the hacking business.  If something like this does take place, think what it will do for their business.

 

I can't really answer the question because in this case, I think that their help would have been very valuable when it comes to national security.  As I stated though, Apple needs to look out for the interests of current and/or future customers in order to stay in business.  A court order is beyond the reach of government and now that it is public knowledge it's pretty safe to say that Apple won't do it.

 

The bottom line is, an argument can be made either way regarding this.  The biggest mistake was letting it go public.

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