Can The Justice Department Convict Anyone?



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Today’s news that Roger Clemons was exonerated on all six counts levied against him by the United States, I have to wonder if the Justice Department can ever convict a high-profile case.  Just a week ago, John Edwards was found not guilty of the charges against him.  Thomas Drake of the National Security Agency and Ted Stevens, the Alaskan Senator both walked away without accountability. 

I believe as all Americans believe that every accused citizen of a crime is entitled to their day in court.  This is the American way and such rights are guaranteed under our constitution.  I would not have it any other way nor do I feel that there are exceptions to the rule.  The frustration with the Justice Department is their failure to properly prosecute each of these cases.   Laws were clearly violated.

I am happy that the law affords every opportunity for an individual to plead their case and that the substance of proof is always with the prosecution.  However, it seems that our Justice Department’s batting average is failing when it comes to these high profile cases.  There does seem to be a correlation between those who can afford to hire the best representation in the court room.  We really don’t seem to see this same occurrence with non-high profile cases.  The average American who commits a crime generally goes to jail. 



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Remember the Dream Team that represented OJ Simpson.  That seems to be the beginning of where the defendant armed with the best legal representation started to be successful in beating the government.  All of these high profile cases involved lots of money and the best legal representation that money could buy.  Having money seems to help imbalance one’s chances in the court room. 

Even less egregious crimes such as driving under the influence and other similar non-violent crimes seem to be all about money.  Those of us who can afford an attorney and pay some fines can watch such charges disappear.  No question the court is over-burdened with these types of cases but still, having money and being able to use it to your advantage always affords you a favorable outcome. 

The government has spent millions of dollars to prosecute these high-profile cases.  An unfavorable outcome is always a waste of our nation’s resources.  My writing does not suggest we forego pursuing those who perpetrate crimes but rather that our Justice Department do a much better job of securing guilty verdicts.  Watching the likes of John Edwards, Roger Clemons and Ted Stevens walk away free from accountability leaves a bitter taste in one’s mouth.  Fortunately, I am not sure any of these men will be able to live out their lives in the fashion that they could have had they not fallen prey to their transgressions. 

Justice does come in all types of fashion and form.