Is this the last entry? Maybe?

This class was very intriguing. I do not feel myself rushing to read more about legal philosophy, but I am glad I have had some access to it. I felt learning the different tactics and perspectives on law, mixed with the relevance of historical ideas and their progression, has allowed me to see the world a little clearer. On a whole, I feel like I understand the judicial system a little better because of what we have discussed.

Although I was not at class today, I did find an article earlier today which sparked my interest. It was about a Pennsylvanian judge who was giving juvenile offenders maximum sentences to two prisons because of the illegal profits he could make off of them.

Here is the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/09/us/09judge.html?ref=markaciavarella

This reminded me of Gideon's Trumpet. Apparently some of the kids didn't have lawyers, according to the article, which makes me wonder how some of these court cases went through at all. Another aspect was on the kids not knowing their rights. When our country's youth does not know their rights it makes it also makes it easier for a juvenile to just plea on what they have done, but this makes the court cases unfair because they are not being guided properly through the trial. It also gives the judge in power say to any verdict he would wish.

Problems like these make me think that everyone should know about legal practices. At least a little bit. This would be the only way to create a stronger system of law. People with knowledge of the legal system would then have a greater sense of autonomy when coming to discussions on forming laws, being on trial, or having a general sense of morality. Otherwise, people would fall under the will's of others; either by listening directly to a judge or not fully being able to work with or understand a lawyer. Without this autonomy within individuals, I feel corruption will ensue within America's legal system and with it the fall of morality within our country. This judge represents just one of the self-interested people who work within our legal system, but can show that America is not all it lives up to be. Only through the hard work of our citizens and the relationships we create with one another can we live up to our motto of "with liberty and justice for all." E. Pluburis unum. If not, self-interest and greed will take over the prized ideals which the United State attempts to represent.