I'm not sure we're talking about the same thing anymore, so let my broadly clarify on a few things -
If we're talking about police, rich individuals, politicians, superstars, etc using their wealth, influence, and power to avoid getting into criminal trouble, and the corruption of the system allowing it happen, I'm in total agreement. This is something that obviously happens (Hillary e-mail scandal being a perfect case), and is no good.
If we're talking about District Attorneys not following through on criminal charges with certain individuals because they're -
- police, and DA's want a good relationship with the police, so they avoid pressing charges that would be pressed against others
- criminal suspects because the DA has a relationship with the individual, or that individual has promised a nice "campaign donation" in exchange for a lesser/no charge/favorable plea deal
- DA has a personal issue with the crime and should prosecute, but refuses because he doesn't want to or has personal feelings about it
-these are the same as the first case, and are still no bueno. It's still essentially a corruption of the system.
If we're talking about cops having certain powers, and poor execution/abuse of their powers does not constitute a crime when it should constitute a crime, I still agree; instances like that also exist.
But I'm not sure any of those things are what you're talking about.
That is what I was getting at.
OK, then yeah, I think we're basically in agreement.
When the system works properly, and isn't subject to corruption and perversion, it's probably pretty good. I don't think we've ever seen it like that, so it's hard to say for sure.
When those things enter the picture, as they often, but not always do, particularly the the rich and famous and police, things become far less good.
Also, kudos to you, @InnocentBystander and @Fluf. This was a great and thoughtful conversation. Thanks for you guys' time and effort.
I'm going to have to disagree. They can't always buy their freedom, but often can.
OJ did. But that's different from what I was referring to above.
An example of that is this police force buying their way out of criminal court by handing it off to be dealt with as a civil matter. Then buying off the victim. That is common in the US.
And whether charges are pressed is heavily influenced by the victim. Their desire may only matter to a small amount, but their cooperation will often make or break a case.
The justice system, in both the US and Canada is deeply flawed and open to being exploited in multiple ways.
In the specific context of lawsuits, I would argue Canada is doing a better job.
Overall though, I feel they are both corrupted beyond redemption. It is a system that can be purchased and easily manipulated by anyone with wealth or power.
Sometimes they can get cornered, and not get out of trouble. But that's the exception, not the rule.