Assignment task:
Chambliss main idea was that the laws were instruments of the wealthy, are there any examples of this in modern American society? - Discuss
Step responds /comments to peer below
I think that there is much merit as well as sufficient examples to Chambliss' assertion that laws were instruments of the wealthy in some respects. On a macro level, today it is common knowledge that certain areas of American legislature are heavily influenced by wealthy corporations and the like. Lobbyists are a great example of this point. They are known for communicating the desires and views of special interest groups to those in legislative authority in addition to gaining influence and favor as to how lawmakers may draft a law or even vote on a law that is in Congress. Similarly, at the highest level of American politics, the elections, corporations have the authority and legal right to spend money to support candidates. I personally believe this is highly unethical because a lucrative corporation, even though it is not a person who has individual value, life, and liberty, has the ability to not only speak on behalf of all of its employees, but also endorse a candidate who may very well accept monetary support in exchange for political and legislative favor. In the prison industrial complex, the bail system plays a major role in its functioning, especially with regard to private prisons. When an individual does not have enough many to make bail, they are to sit in jail until their innocence is ascertained and, while they sit and wait, they face the potential of losing money from not working as well as missing work and, to avoid any other collateral consequences, accept plea deals within court; 90% of cases are plead out- much of the composition comes from low income communities and not wealthy ones. This system ensures that the already exploding prison system is fed and can profit from cheap prison labor.
On a micro level, there are a variety of laws that marginalize certain persons and protect the interests of others. For example, in most states, there are laws that make it illegal for homeless people to sleep in public via camping or some other means. In others it is illegal to loiter around an area for a short or extended period of time. In both cases, the cause for these laws are underlined by the fact that there is an interest on the part of more sanitized and reputable areas. In areas where there is high concentrations of wealth, it is not uncommon to have these laws heavily enforced as to keep the image of the community in good standing. All in all, I think that in probably every aspect of American society there is some kind of influence being maneuvered by someone with deep pockets. More recently I found out that according to the The Journal of Law, Medicine and Ethics, gender affirming surgery can cost upwards of $63,000. I suspect that the rationale for some of the laws pertaining to LGBTQ+ rights has some component to it that ensures the financial benefit and leverage for some corporations or individuals alike.