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Why Laws Only Apply to Poor People
When talking about access to justice, one question we should consider is who really has access. Legally, access to justice and fair representation should be afforded to all; but in reality, access is largely dependent on resources and education. Access to practically anything in this world, legal resources included, is based on a person’s finances, opportunities, and connections. Poverty, race, sexual orientation, gender, nationality/language, educational level, access to transportation, and physical disability are all factors that can make justice feel out of reach for many US citizens.
Statistics show that poor, minority people suffer disproportionately from the legal system as a whole, and from various individual laws that seem to work against them. But in what specific ways does wealth make a difference? And how does this happen in a country founded on the principals of “equality for all”?
Our legal system in a nutshell
Our legal system starts with the Constitution, which establishes a federal system of government. The U.S. Constitution is the supreme law of the United States of America. It specifies the authority of the federal government, establishes the judicial branch, and oversees federal courts. The U.S. Constitution also grants power to the U.S. Supreme Court, the highest court in the nation, which has ultimate appellate jurisdiction over all federal cases and many state cases as well.
Each of the 50 states has its own constitution to regulate government structure and legal codes. Federal courts only have jurisdiction over cases involving federal crimes, conflicts between different states, and international disputes. Most everything else gets handled by state courts.
The American Court system is largely based on the English Common Law system with two sides (the defendant vs the plaintiff), who argue their case before what should be an impartial judge (although we know that is often not how it goes), and sometimes a jury of their peers. In criminal cases, the prosecutor will often act as a plaintiff on behalf of the citizens or state.
Now, this is where the rich versus poor issue really comes into play. In the US, everyone accused of a crime has the right to legal counsel, meaning they are allowed to have a lawyer assist with their defense. Even if you don’t have money, a public defender will be assigned to your case, free of charge.
Sounds alright, but there is a catch. Public defenders are often straight of out college and less experienced than private attorneys. Not to mention, public defenders are notorious for being disinterested and disengaged. It should come as no surprise, since they are court employees and get paid the same whether they win or lose. They have even earned themselves a little nickname in many jails and prisons, “public pretenders”.
Connections matter also. They shouldn’t when it comes to the legal system, but they most definitely do. Say for instance, one of the top rated, most well-connected lawyers in your city knows the judge personally and they play golf every other weekend. That judge will be more naturally inclined to trust his buddy over the random public defender who has no reputation in the industry. It’s unfair, but that’s how it works.
Laws and poor people
Understanding the links between income, employment, and health is the first critical step to reducing poverty. But one other factor that is often overlooked is legal problems. Not only do poor and middle-class people get targeted by authorities more often than wealthy people, but the impact of the legal trouble is much more detrimental and long-lasting.
For someone who lives paycheck-to-paycheck, even something like a couple-thousand-dollar fine could have a negative effect on their finances for months to come, and felony charges can significantly reduce a person’s job prospects. If someone from a low-income family is jailed, leaving behind only one person to provide for the rest of the family (say dad gets locked up and mom is left to cover everything), that could lead to some serious life changes for everyone under that roof.
What if the free spouse/parent/other can’t afford the bills and housing payments anymore? They might lose their family home and have to move to a neighborhood that could possibly be more dangerous than where they are currently living. They might lose the ability to feed and clothe their children, they could struggle with transportation, healthcare, and other basic needs, and some might even end up homeless if they can’t find suitable housing with their newly reduced income.
Compare that to a wealthy family. Even if one person does end up in prison – which happens less often anyway because they have money for bail and good lawyers – they usually have a substantial amount of money in savings and an abundance of assets to keep the rest of their family secure.
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The War on Drugs
The war on drugs, which we can all agree has been an absolute failure, was practically targeted at poor people and was a has been a major contributing factor to the ongoing cycle of poverty around the world. People who use heavy drugs often do so as a result of trauma, mental illness, and other life stressors, so these are people who may have already been marginalized by society before the drug use starts.
The war on drugs took what should have been considered a health and social issue, and turned it into a crime, further stigmatizing users. This resulted in mass incarceration of the of poor and minority individuals, leading to many of the lasting issues described above like less employment and educational opportunities, minimal housing options, and some have even lost their right to vote. Some states will permanently bar a person from participating in our democracy for felony convictions, regardless of what the crime was… how messed up is that?
This continues to be an ongoing issue. Data on current drug arrests is inconsistent and hard to analyze, but NORML estimates that there are still around 350,000 arrests annually for cannabis alone, many of which are black and brown men. And it’s rarely those in charge of the drug trade that suffer these consequences, it’s almost always the users and lower-level dealers, the people who have the most to lose in the first place.
“Affluenza”
Affluenza refers to a “psychological malaise supposedly affecting wealthy people”, characterized by an obsession with consumerism and wealth. To clarify, it’s not a medically recognized disease. Although the term has existed for a long time, as early as the 1950s, it was popularized in mainstream culture about ten years ago, during the 2013 trial of Ethan Couch.
Ethan Couch famously used the “affluenza” defense to get off on charges for killing four people while driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs. Couch was speeding through a residential area when he hit a group of people who were assisting with a disabled SUV. Four people were killed and another nine were injured. He was 16 years old at the time and driving with a restricted license.
Couch’s family attorney argued that he suffered from “affluenza”, and he should receive therapeutic treatment rather than prison time. Interestingly enough, the judge agreed, and Couch was sentenced to 10 years of probation and an undermined amount of time at an inpatient facility for therapy. How this defense was actually able to work for him, I honestly have no clue. But it just goes to show that if you have enough money, the impossible becomes much more feasible. Some people might argue that he got off easy because he was so young, but if the driver of such a horrific accident had been a black 16-year-old male who did not have rich parents, he surely would have received jail time.
And it’s not just Couch who benefitted from the privilege of having good legal representation. Like I said before, it’s their family attorney. The entire Couch clan has an extensive history of breaking laws that dates back to the 1980s. Cumulatively, they have over 20 charges against them including traffic violations, financial disputes, reckless driving, and assault. On every occasion, they relied on their wealth and connections to get out of trouble.
Final thoughts
It doesn’t really matter where you are in the world, in most places, money talks; and if you’re rich enough, you can even get away with murder (I’m looking at you Laura Bush, John McAfee, Robert Durst, and others). The only people who really suffer from the consequences of their actions are the people who don’t have enough money, educations, or connections to fight the legal system. And they suffer long after they are convicted and have served their time.
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Some good new from the government about veterans who are suffering from PTSD and are using marijuana.
While our military is generally honored, medical treatment for them can lag behind the praises given by politicians and bureaucrats. Almost 23% of veterans who use the Veterans Admstinatrion (VA) health care have had Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) at some point in their lives. In 2021, 10% of men and 19% of women veterans using VA care were diagnosed with PTSD. A study of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan found the prevalence of PTSD varied by unit component. For example, deployed active duty veterans had an 18.5% prevalence of PTSD, while non-deployed active duty veterans had a 13.2% prevalence. It is difficult to treat and has ruined thousands of lives. But cannabis has helped and now veterans with PTSD are given a little hope with additional medical research.
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Cannabis has shown promising potential in alleviating symptoms PTSD, offering hope to those struggling with this debilitating condition. Earlier studies have shed light on the biological mechanisms behind cannabis’s therapeutic effects on PTSD. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) this week authorized a long-delayed clinical trial to test whether marijuana can be used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in veterans. The agency had raised a variety of objections. The change is good news for veterans and their families. And another indicator the FDA is supportive of the rescheduling.
One key way cannabis helps PTSD sufferers is by reducing activity in the amygdala, a part of the brain associated with fear responses to threats. This dampening of the anxiety response can help individuals manage their symptoms more effectively.Additionally, cannabis may aid in extinguishing traumatic memories through a process called ‘extinction learning’.
The cannabinoids in cannabis, particularly THC and CBD, can enhance the rate at which challenging memories are processed and reduce overall anxiety responses. Research has shown that cannabis use is associated with a reduction in overall PTSD symptoms and improved quality of life. Low doses of THC or a combination of THC and CBD have been found to be particularly effective in enhancing extinction rates for traumatic memories and reducing anxiety.
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The endocannabinoid system plays a crucial role in this process. CBD, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, indirectly affects this system by inhibiting the uptake or enzymatic degradation of endogenous cannabinoids. This action allows for a greater effect on CB1 and CB2 receptors, which are found in brain regions important for anxiety and aversive learnin
.Cannabis may also help address specific PTSD symptoms such as sleep disturbances, recurrent fear memories, and panic episodes. While individual responses can vary, cannabis can be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment plan under medical supervision.
They seem to be total enemies – but can CBD help cats chill out around the Christmas Tree?
While is seems cats do things just to annoy their owners, there are reasons. And when it comes to the Christmas tree, there are manyfelines that causes the pull to be “involved” with the giant temporary addition to the festive season. They enjoy being high up to survey their surroundings and it makes them feel safe from predators. Yhe branches provide a fun climbing challenge. And they are attracted to shiny objects with the ornaments and lights. Like humans, cats enjoy the smell of live evergreen trees which is another reason they stay close. But can CBD keep cats from the Christmas tree?
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Alone, CBD can not keep them from exploring, but can be used as another tool to relax them and help them lose interest in wrecking a tree. CBD for cats has gained popularity among pet owners seeking alternative treatments for various feline health issues. CBD is generally considered safe for cats when used appropriately. CBD, or cannabidiol, is a non-psychoactive compound found in hemp plants that interacts with the endocannabinoid system in cats, potentially offering benefits for anxiety, pain, inflammation, and overall wellness.
CBD could help cats with several issues during the holidays including reducing anxiety from visitors, decorations, and changes in routine. It can help alleviate pain and inflammation, which may worsen in colder weather. With the change in routine, it can help with sleep quality. And must of all regarding the tree, it can help them chill and relaxat, giving them a
Use products specifically formulated for cats, as human or dog CBD products may not be suitable. Follow dosage guidelines carefully. Consult with a veterinarian before starting CBD, especially for cats with health issues or on medications. CBD for cats typically comes in oils or treats. Oils allow for precise dosing, while treats may be easier to administer.
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Other ways to keep the cat from the tree is have a fake tree which is less dangerous than a real tree. A smaller tree is less likely to cause serious harm if it falls over. Use a heavy base or weights to prevent the tree from toppling over. You can also secure it to a wall with wire. Cats dislike citrus and foil scents, so you can wrap the tree trunk in foil and put orange or lemon peels around the base. Place cheaper, less sentimental decorations toward the bottom of the tree. Tie ornaments tightly to the branches to avoid loose, dangling temptations. Choose wooden or plastic ornaments instead of highly reflective ones. Tie plastic bags filled with orange or lemon peels around the base of the tree.
On the first holiday weekend, should you mix up online and in-store shopping? Well, there is definitely benefits for both – including Target’s new tie-in promotion.
Black Friday is With average holiday spending expected to reach over $1,000, it is important to capture the customers. Twenty years ago, malls were packed and the news reported Karen’s gone wild in an effort to snag shopping deals. Now things are easier with online shopping, but in-store experiences remain crucial. This year 26% of consumers plan to shop primarily in person for the holidays, while 51% plan to do both in-person and online. As usual, retailers offered early discounts and unique shopping experiences to bring people into brick and mortar.
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In 2024, the Black Friday shopping landscape has evolved dramatically, presenting consumers with compelling reasons to choose both online and in-store shopping experiences. Each approach offers unique advantages that cater to different shopper preferences and priorities. Online shopping continues to gain momentum, with 75% of shoppers planning to make purchases digitally in 2024.
The benefits are easy and they’re rarely a need to deal with a long line (except for very hard, limited release items). Shoppers can browse and purchase from the comfort of their homes. It provides access to extensive product catalogs across multiple retailers and easy ability to compare prices instantly.
Despite the digital surge, in-store shopping lends itself to being more festive and provide a longer, interactive experience. Shoppers have the ability to try on clothes, test electronics, and physically examine items and are three times more likely to make spontaneous purchases in-store. Usually food purchases from coffee, lunch to drinks are involved and it is considered a full activity. And shoppers arrive home with packages.
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Many consumers are adopting a hybrid approach. For instance, some shoppers visit physical stores to try products and then complete purchases online. Retailers are adapting by offering exclusive in-store experiences, like Target’s Taylor Swift album release and special giveaways. Many wine and liquor stores offer tasting and marijuiana dispensaries offer specials on products.
And the reason we call today Black Friday is thanks to the Philadelphia police department. Department stores in the city would hold huge sales to capitalize on the large crowds ahead of the Army/Navy football game. Vast crowds caused havoc for police and forced them to work harsh, extra-long shifts, resulting in them dubbing the day Black Friday, both to express their dislike of the day and to try and reduce visitors by making it sound less appealing.
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