What I Learned from a Parking Ticket

Publication Date: July 2009

Publisher: National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership (U.S.)

Author(s): David Kraemer

Research Area: Culture and religion; Justice

Keywords: Justice; Law; Public Policies

Type: Brief

Coverage: United States

Abstract:

Inspired by having to a pay a parking ticket simply because an officer claimed that his car was parked in a bus zone when it clearly was not, the author analyzes the many injustices of our justice system. He argues that common individuals (juries, law-enforcement officials) who may bring their own personal biases and prejudices into the courtroom hold a disproportionate amount of power in the justice system. He suggests that Judaism has a better justice system (though does not elaborate on this point).