There is no justice for the famous

The news and entertainment media is having a grand time on Paris Hilton who is sentenced to 45 days in jail for some traffic violations. People get a silent delight in seeing the rich and famous plummet into misery and shame. I am not claiming to be an exception to this phenomenon. But I feel that the judge in the Paris Hilton case was little too eager to a set her as an example of ‘impartial justice’. Forty-five days in jail for driving with a suspended license? I agree that Paris was careless and stupid for driving when her license was suspended. But can one not give a break to a twenty something girl? After all, she was not driving drunk again. (In fact, she was nearing completion to a court ordered alcohol recovery program when she was caught driving with a suspended license).

Come to think of it, contrary to popular belief, famous people are punished more severely for their transgressions. It is like the schoolmate of mine who got most beatings from his teacher who happened to be his uncle. Judges are so keen to show their impartiality, that they mete out the maximum penalty when they judge public figures. The only refuge for the rich and famous are trials by jury, where their top-notch lawyers can demolish the prosecution charges, and convince the jury of their innocence ( like the trials of O.J., Robert Blake, Michael Jackson etc). If it is left for the judge alone to decide on the guilt of a well known, it is usually bad news.