What Are The Different Effects on the Rich and Poor Through Written Laws?

Question

"Written laws are like spider webs, they will catch, it is true, the weak and poor, but would be torn in pieces by the rich and powerful."
-Ahacharsis

What modern day, common examples pertain to this quote?

Answer 1

Theoretically, the law provides that everyone be treated equally regardless of money, race, gender and other variables. The written law reinforces this.

The problem arises in the implementation of the law. Although we would all like to believe that the law is equal the truth is that people with money can afford better lawyers, they have more connections to those in power and they are generally treated differently (ie; if a person goes to court for a white collar crime, the court would generally treat them with a lot more respect than an impecunious drug dealer). One example of this is OJ Simpson (although some people would attribute this to lack of evidence etc).

It works the other way though. Look at Paris Hilton and the drink driving. I'm not saying that her actions were justified, however she was made an example of because of her status. It was clear that the legal system was trying to demonstrate that they were tough on drink drivers. An average citizen accused of the same offence would not go to jail for it.

Answer 2

None.