While the justice system in the United States is meant to provide equal protection to everyone, this is simply not the case. Time and time again it has been proven that if you have money, you can get away with almost anything, in some cases even murder! This is a trend that has to stop here in America, and fortunately for our nation, some major changes have been made to our justice system lately. While these changes have had a great impact on many cases and individuals, they are by no means complete. And because of this, in fact, the law is only meant to protect the rich and maintain the status quo.
There are numerous examples of this being the case in the United States throughout history. In fact, it can be argued that because the United States was founded by some of its wealthiest men and individuals at the time, this was even done on purpose: our founding fathers were aware of the fact that the economy and well-being of the United States depended on the wealth of only a handful of people. If these people are not more protected than others, our entire nation could be doomed.
At least that’s what they thought in the 1700s and 1800s, anyway. But by now, we’ve seen the ill effects of having such a negative outlook on America. Wealthy people and big companies engage in illegal and unethical business practices every day; however, charges are rarely filed against any. However, when a poor man lays his head on a sidewalk to sleep at night, he may be arrested and jailed simply because he has no home to go to at night. Instead of arresting the man, he should be helped, and perhaps he can improve his own life. Arresting him only infuriates him and makes him even more defiant in front of the law.
Look at the OJ Simpson case in the 1990s: Almost everyone around the world acknowledged the fact that OJ did indeed kill Nicole, but the former football star was acquitted of murder. Because he had millions of dollars and was able to put together one of the most intimidating, effective and costly legal teams ever heard of, OJ Simpson was found not guilty.
But lately there are recent cases of justice, even when it comes to the rich, famous and powerful. Take OJ Simpson’s most recent legal troubles, for example: It wasn’t long ago that he was convicted of armed robbery, and now he may face life in prison. And, of course, there’s the dogfighting case involving Atlanta Falcon star quarterback Michael Vick: He was found guilty, was sentenced, and will not serve time in federal prison on dogfighting charges. He has lost all of his sponsors because of this, along with the career he has been working so hard for. However, he committed the crime, and now he has to serve time. Regardless of wealth or fame.
