Throughout the existence of the human justice system, those with wealth and power have effortlessly avoided the wrath of justice. In his play, "King Lear," William Shakespeare employs a speech by King Lear to demonstrate that some who have committed a sin hide behind their affluence and power. He states that those sinners protected by their wealth, do not suffer the lance of justice, while those sinners armed with rags must surrender to it. Drawing from observation and personal experience, it is evident that King Lear's speech is pertinent to the current justice systems, and those of the past.
The most recognizable instances of the prosperous avoiding justice involve athletes. One of the most recent cases is that of Allen Iverson, a professional basketball player of the NBA. While in Philadelphia, Iverson forced his way into an apartment, threatening two men while carrying a handgun. This news came a day before he allegedly threw his wife out of his house naked. The local police's charges include weapons violations, aggravated assault, criminal trespass, and other offenses. Although he faced over thirty charges, his wealth would help clear all but two terrorist accusations. It is disappointing that because he can afford quality lawyers and is a prominent athlete, he can hide from the law while others would serve time for one of his offenses. The court's verdict validates King Lear's opinion of the relationship between wealth and justice. Other athletes accused of major crimes include O.J. Simpson, Ray Lewis, Randy Moss, Chris Webber, Latrell Sprewell, Shawn Kemp, and many others. The long list of athletes who have committed crimes yet have not served any jail time is extensive and further establishes the inadequate discipline of the wealthy.
Other major occurrences of the influential avoiding justice happened during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960's. The many cases of wrongly accused African Americans exhibit the influence of the powerful.
