Just a couple of examples.
And while I like to know and understand the law, I'm finding that more and more of the system is a sham. I've witnessed a trooper commit misconduct, like lying to a magistrate, and so many mistakes that his actions should be considered negligence. I have also witnessed 2 magistrates lack even a basic understanding of legal principles, like dismissing with prejudice or that a summary offense is a grading of a criminal offense. I even contacted a civil rights lawyer over some violations. He said there were rights violations, but without substantial financial impact the courts don't want to hear about it.
So I like the understanding the "code" of the legal system, but it seems like it isn't followed and that it's all double speak - rules for thee but not for me.
The issue I'm dealing with is just a summary offense. It would have been cheaper just to pay the $50 fine and avoid going to court. Unfortunately the trooper wrote it up wrong so we were forced to go to court, which costs way more ($300 fine + $100 court costs, not to mention time off, lost wages, certified postage, and mileage). It's pretty much the definition of a racket if costs more to defend your innocence than to just pay the fine. That's all they care about - the money.
Barath is a fraternity brother of mine, from Cal. He got a BA in CS, which is an impacted major you apply to after 2 years (super competitive). He went on to be a developer for Deloitte.
After a few years, he went to law school and started working at Wilson. He's now a partner and I believe he worked on Aurora's acquisition of Uber self-driving car IP.
