* Regular citizens, nonlawyers, need to become more involved in
the justice system. One reason no one addresses corruption in our
justice system is that an honest examination would reflect very badly
on the legal profession. And the political process, in Congress and in
state houses, is dominated by lawyers. I believe we need citizen panels
of some type to provide oversight, to make sure that the actual law is
being applied in our courts--not the whims of corrupt judges. On the
civil side, many lawyers cheat their own clients because they know they
aren't going to be held accountable--particularly if they are members
of big law firms. State bars might get tough with solo practitioners
and lawyers from small firms. But the big guys often avoid scrutiny.
And if a citizen brings a lawsuit for legal malpractice, it will be
overseen by another lawyer--the judge. At every step, the law is a
self-regulating profession, with no one from outside to help keep the
lawyers in check. Citizens need to step into the fray, to help clean
things up.
* We need to address the issue of immunity for judges and
prosecutors. The Siegelman and Minor prosecutions never would have
happened if the judges and prosecutors involved knew they might face
real consequences for their actions. Judicial and prosecutorial
immunity, however, protect them from lawsuits. And the chances of
criminal investigation, they know, are slim. Certainly, judges and
prosecutors must have the freedom to make discretionary decisions. But
they now are protected even when they knowingly violate the law--and
that has to change.
Well, it would be wonderful if your call for a thorough
investigation into the way our justice system works gathers some steam.
It was a pleasure, as always, Roger. Thanks for talking with me.
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