ABSURDITIES OF OUR LEGAL SYSTEM

This weekly “blogcast” will focus on the "absurdities" of the American legal system.  The subject of this initial episode will be the expression, “Kill All The Lawyers”, which originated in Shakespeare’s ''Henry VI,'' when Dick the Butcher reasoned that the only way Jack Cade could overthrow the king would be to destroy the righteous and noble officers of the Courts.

Many experts believe that Shakespeare meant it as a compliment to attorneys and judges who protect, preserve and instill justice in society.  But the once "absurd" comment has evolved over the past 4 centuries to the point where it is now commonplace, except when referring to our sons and daughters.

One of the most glaring absurdities of our legal system is the contingent fee. It became accepted in the late 18^th century, ostensibly in response to the strong American desire to insure access to the courts by the poor.  Unfortunately, it quickly became intimately connected to ambulance chasing, thereby popularizing the worst aspects of our legal system.

Attorney overcharging has become the rule rather than the exception. In 2003, plaintiff attorney fees in the US totaled an estimated $46 billion. This is only slightly less than the 2003 total sales figure for BMW.

And, the poor no longer need help getting to court.  The modern advent of litigation funding is steadily working its way into our legal system.

Future blogcasts will cover all sorts of absurdities, such as those that appear in: racism, religion, evolution, wars, jail, profanity, morality, government, truth and justice, nuclear bombing, football helmets.

Guests can call-in  (718) 664-6060