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Re: The McDonald's incident



I enjoy the months that I spend today without having any
interaction with lawyers. The only ones that I've worked with whom I
really liked and respected were the ones in the Public Defender's office.
Writers, ever since Plautus (~150 b.c.) have made fun of the legal
profession (Shakespeare's "Let's kill all.." is actually a tribute to
lawyers). So Rick's biases are certainly not uncommon. And far be it
from me to try to argue anybody out of his/her pet prejudices. A good
prejudice, after all, can be as comforting in time of stress as a whole
evening with one's favorite bartender.
Also, a good, unfounded, prejudice is a lot less trouble than a
well-taught course in civics.
Having said this, I comment on Rick's posting as follows:


On Fri, 23 Jun 2000, Rick Tarara wrote:


All I have to do is listen to the stories my wife brings home from her job
as Elementary School Principal. Parents are constantly threatening to sue
over this or that, students use the 'S' word frequently. Do even 1% of
these incidents actually become litigation--NO. Does this atmosphere in
which people 'think' they can sue on any small pretense effect the efficient
and productive operation of the school system (or almost any other
institution/business in this country)--I'm damned sure it does, and not for
the better!

Not for the better? Compared with the '20's and '30's you have
safer foods, safer cars, the end of racially segregated schools, black
Americans voting in the Southern states, and increasing numbers of women
in the medical and legal professions. This is just the beginning of the
list. So (1) I don't know what you mean by "better"; (2) I note that
nothing in the preceding excerpt mentions lawyers.

Sorry Jack, but I have little patience with the law profession
or the practice of law in this country as it has been displayed to the
public over the past several years. Truth and Justice seem to play
virtually no role (my perception), at least in the high-profile cases to
which we have ample information.

I do not see any logical connection between this excerpt and the
one before it. Brown v Board of Education, Roe v Doe, and Loving v
Virginia are the first three such cases that quickly come to mind. In the
views of some of us, at least, these cases were very much focussed on the
issues of "Truth and Justice".
Yes, Marcia Clark did a lousy job of prosecuting O.J. Simpson.
The jury (none of whom were lawyers) let her know that she did a lousy
job.
Truly frivolous cases are usually quickly dismissed, and frivolous
plaintiffs often find themselves socked with paying the defendants'
attorneyss' fees.

(I was quickly dismissed from jury duty
when I expressed my views on 'personal responsibility' during the seating
for a civil case.)

Thereby giving us cause for confidence in the workings of the
legal system.

Regards,
Jack