There may not be a human alive--apart from Paris Hilton I imagine--who is not getting a kick out of her current plight. No doubt she's brought it all on herself due to a combination of reckless behavior and privilege, but could it be that she is being treated unfairly? Is she a victim of celebrity? I'm no expert on California DUI law, but what I've read suggests that a 45 day sentence for her crime is unusually high. If so, was her civil right to be treated equally before the law violated?
There's a common perception, and in many cases certainly a reality, that the wealthy are treated more leniently before the law often because they know the law and can hire lawyers that defend them to the hilt. It may be though that they are not treated unequally by the legal process, but their situation allows them to fully claim their legal rights whereas others are not so able. Are we then willing to look the other way from time to time when celebrity status makes someone a target?
Isn't this a test of our actual willingness to ensure that people are treated equally? Or are licking our chops out of jealousy?
Here's further commentary from Ann Althouse and the comments on this post are revealing.
