Monday, May 4, 2015

Corruption

NPR had an interesting story on political corruption and its evolving definition this morning.

In 1976, Chief Justice Warren Burger stated that the standard for corruption is, "the reality & appearance of improper influence stemming from the dependence of candidates on large campaign contributions."

Last year the current chief justice, John Roberts, significantly watered down the definition to be,  "a contribution to a particular candidate in exchange for his agreeing to do a particular act within his official duties."

Many lawyers are uncomfortable with this narrowed definition. The public, according to the article, typically define political corruption as:
"Someone is corrupt when they're in public office just for their own interests" 
I would agree. 

This is political corruption. Corruption in the courtroom, although less visible, is far more pernicious and prevalent. One of the most depressing things I have ever read is a an FAQ on American Judicial and Legal Corruption by Dr. Les Sachs. I am not sure I am 100% with him on how absolutely pervasively corrupt our legal system is, but my experience is surely moving me in that direction. 

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