Fenton, population 226, brings in over $1 million per year through its mayor’s court, an unusual justice system in which the mayor can serve as judge even though he’s responsible for town finances.

  • Pons_Aelius@kbin.social
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    33
    arrow-down
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    I assume that for many people the time and effort to try and appeal shit like this is way more than the original fine is worth.

    That is why it keeps happening.

    • FuglyDuck@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      29
      arrow-down
      1
      ·
      1 year ago

      yup. But, I imagine a half-decent lawyer could turn that into a class action and make bank.

      • canthidium@lemmy.world
        link
        fedilink
        arrow-up
        6
        arrow-down
        1
        ·
        1 year ago

        I dunno the success of any suits against these towns, but they exist all over the country. They count on you passing through and not being able to come back for court.

        • FuglyDuck@lemmy.world
          link
          fedilink
          English
          arrow-up
          4
          ·
          1 year ago

          Which is perhaps why a class action might be the best way to go, rather than just appealing it.

          But part of due process is a free and impartial trial. I suspect there’s other forms of corruption, as well, though. It’s the kind of thing that festers

          • Usul_00_@lemmy.world
            link
            fedilink
            arrow-up
            1
            ·
            1 year ago

            But you have to have $$ for it be worth a lawsuit. Notice in this case they don’t even keep records, so it’s likely hard to even fight them using their own papers. Better would be to contest in federal court using the Supreme Court opinion imo