“Weaponized” legal system targets more than estates

It’s certainly not news that our legal system is broken.  The point, however, that cannot be hammered home enough is that this is not purely a systemic problem — it’s a people problem.  In today’s environment of exploitation, the mantra is to worry not about what you are — just make sure all is good with how you appear to be.

Hiding behind “the system” helps many government officials half-heartedly bemoan the need for reform as such appearances help with re-election and maintaining a facade of constituent responsiveness while targets of the legal system experience a reality not so desirable for discussion at local civic clubs or the next Chamber of Commerce meeting.

We’ve posted a story out of Pennsylvania about two judges who used their state’s juvenile justice system for financial gain.  What these two men did to the children that came into their courts is an important subject of its own.

Using probate venues or instruments for involuntary asset redistributions is the regular topic here at EstateofDenial.com.  To that end, this story illustrates another creative avenue used by public officials and their allies to “weaponize” the legal system in pursuit of personal gain.  In reading this story, keep in mind the following points we view as societal trends, not just characteristics of this Pennsylvania case.

• Some elected officials are shameless in using their authority for self-enrichment.

• Influential community members will often partner with elected officials for fulfillment of their own self-enrichment goals.

• “Weaponizing” the legal system allows individuals with specific “value” (be it an estate or an increased incarceration head count) to be targeted and brought into a situation whereby their involvement creates a revenue stream or source of payment.

• The harm caused to the individuals and/or their families is inconsequential to the perpetrators, unknown or ignored by the community at large.

• Parental or individual rights are functionally meaningless if they interfere with the desired enrichment goals.

• Any recourse on the part of the target or their family is usually “pay to play.”  Many folks can’t afford or don’t have the wherewithal for such an effort and this point is never lost on legal system abusers.