When Faced With an Angry Jury, Laughter May Be the Best Defense
http://www.law.com/jsp/ihc/PubArticleIHC.jsp?id=1202429969160
Americans are angry. That could be bad news for corporations because today’s angry citizen is tomorrow’s angry juror. Somehow or other, the lawyers who defend business need to reduce the fury in the courtroom before their clients get burned.
A recent CNN poll showed that 75 percent of Americans are upset about the way things are going in this country. They’re furious that Bernie Madoff made off with so much money, and that banks and other bailed-out corporations are still making lavish purchases. They’re mad that their good credit does not allow them to get a loan because banks made countless loans to people with bad credit. And they’re incensed that college savings and retirement funds are melting.
Politicians of both parties are mining this rich vein of rage, and the media are fanning the flames. A Tampa Tribune column says “Backlash to Corporate Greed Is Growing.” A Baltimore Sun article decries “A New Low for Corporate Greed.” The Washington Times describes “The Age of Corporate Greed.” Some op-eds urge that greedy executives be prosecuted and put away.
