Many people consider that the legal system of the United States is the greatest one ever, ever. Innocent until proven guilty. Trial before one's peers. Right to a speedy trial. There are checks and balances, defense attorneys and prosecutors, juries and judges... all set in place to make sure that the law is upheld, consequences are rightly handed down, and that the streets remain safe.
It's great, right?
Yeah-but...Frivolous lawsuits exist. You can sue anyone for anything these days. God forbid you didn't have enough foresight to see that coffee is hot and not everyone knows that. Even coffee drinkers. So you better have put a warning on the cup. Oh...you didn't? Say goodbye to $2.86 million.
Innocent people on trial for crimes can, and are, sent to prison. Guilty people on trial can, and are, released. Money can make the difference in a high profile case. The competence of one's defense attorney or the incompetence of the jury can lead to a verdict that isn't exactly just. When "justice" fails to be "just" you're left with just "ice." Which is a nonsensical word in the legal community.
Then there's the consequences for disobeying the law.
There's the Death Penalty... you committed murder... so now we're going to murder you. Legally. Don't get me wrong... I'm amazed at what some people can do to each other. Still, it seems slightly hypocritical.
There are inconsistences. Loopholes. Knowing them can mean the difference between jail time and bail time.
So is the American legal system the best around? Despite the imperfections, I would have to say yes. At least we have the ability to defend ourselves. It's better than the olden times. And much better than being fed to the lions.
