“A straightforward case,” says the public defender assigned to me. “We’ll settle this easy. Don’t you lose a wink of sleep over it.”

“That’s good to hear,” I say, “but it’s unsettling that the law I supposedly broke is identified only by symbols and numbers, not words.”

He smiles. “No sweat, young fella. Welcome to the 21st century; everything’s computerized now.”

“Yes, I know about computers. But when a SWAT team wrestles you to the ground, the least you expect is an explanation. All they did was shout a string of numbers and symbols at me.”

“I get it. That must have been frightening,” he says. “But the reform was overdue. We have soooo many laws on the books… and lotss overlap. That’s why it’s all symbols and numbers. Easier for the system to process than words.”

“Maybe so, but shouldn’t they still explain each law in plain English?”

“Of course, they should. Actually they do that. When I have some free time, I’ll look yours up and let you know.”

Good man, my lawyer. He’s trying to reassure me, but I’m more worried than ever.

The post Open and Shut first appeared on Dissident Voice.

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