The Baffling Phenomenon of Judge Bribery in the United States: Case Studies and Reflections

Is bribery of judges a common occurrence in the United States? This question has been a topic of heated debate and scrutiny for quite some time. The almost unexplainable actions taken by judges and the lack of prosecutions paint a concerning picture. This article aims to shed light on the issue, drawing from historical cases and current evidence.

Signs of Judicial Corruption

There have been some very obvious signs of corruption within the judicial system in the United States. Judges are no strangers to inexplicable actions that can only be explained by outside influence. This raises the question of whether the issue of bribery is more prevalent than we are led to believe and whether judges possess enough power to cause serious problems. The axiom ldquo;power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutelyrdquo; holds true in the United States, where judges wield significant authority.

A Historical Perspective: The Martin Manton Case

While bribery of judges is not a common occurrence in the United States, it has been known to happen. One of the most notable cases is that of Martin Manton, who served as a judge on the Second Circuit Court of Appeals from 1918 to 1939. It became an open secret that Manton could be bribed. The scandal eventually reached the public, leading Manton to resign from his position. Manton was convicted of conspiracy to obstruct justice and sentenced to two years in prison, although he served only 17 months.

The Absence of Prosecutions and the Power of Judges

The almost absolute lack of prosecutions in cases involving alleged bribery of judges suggests that such incidents may be more common than we know. Judges, with their immense power, can create serious problems when compromised by external influences. This raises concerns about the integrity of the legal system and the ethical conduct of judges.

Reflections on Human Nature and Political Ideology

Humans are, by nature, fallible. The belief in one's own political party being godlike and the opposing party evil demonstrates a lack of rationality and maturity. Such attitudes are not only unsettling but also harmful to the democratic process and the integrity of the judicial system. It is crucial to maintain a balanced perspective and to hold all parties, including the judiciary, accountable for their actions and decisions.

Conclusion

The phenomenon of judge bribery, while not common, is a significant cause for concern. Cases like that of Martin Manton highlight the potential for corruption within the judicial system. The lack of effective prosecutions and the inherent power of judges underscore the need for vigilance and reform. It is imperative that we, as a society, continue to scrutinize and address the issue to ensure the integrity and fairness of our legal system.

Keywords: judge bribery, judicial corruption, US legal system