Reply #21: I agree with you about the justice system

[realisticphish]

But other cases are not relevant; it's like saying that we shouldn't feel sorry for people who are sent to jail innocent because, hey, women were burned as witches in the 1600's. It's a non sequitur; yes, other people have been fucked over way worse than the Duke players were, but it doesn't change the fact that, in this case, the system WORKED. Their money didn't do it, their LAWYERS did it. They didn't walk up to the judge and hand him a bag of money, then walk out of the courtroom. The facts were in their favor. Yes, the money helped. In the real world, money ALWAYS helps. And unless we completely socialize the legal profession, that's the way it will always be.

But in any case, by saying "don't feel too sorry for the rich, white frat boys" you're creating a double standard; justice is admirable as long as the people aren't privileged. If a poor kid who went to a community college had this happen to them, and they got off, everyone would consider it a victory for justice. But I should feel differently when the kids are rich and go to a private college? Yes, they'll probably lead far more privileged lives than you or me. Yes, the money helped in hiring high quality lawyers. But that doesn't make it any less just, or any different from any other case where an innocent person was set free.