A BROKEN JUSTICE SYSTEM: WHO IS RICH ENOUGH?

Regarding Randall L. Kallinen's Nov. 26 Outlook article, "Our lock 'em
up justice is a loser. Harris County doesn't need to build any more
jail cells. We need to construct common-sense sentencing policies":
Common-sense sentencing -- or common-sense prosecuting, for that
matter -- are not words familiar to the Harris County legal system.

This system is broken and in need of drastic repairs. But, who is
strong enough, brave enough or rich enough to stand up and demand
these repairs?

After seeing the injustice my family experienced within this system, I
am too scared to stand up, as I might also be accused of something and
be restrained.

The system allows accusations to be made and judges to set guidelines
and rules without evidence. Cases are tried on the basis of nothing
but allegations and hidden agendas.

Why have we allowed our justice system to toss out its basic
tenet?

Aren't we supposed to be considered innocent until proved
guilty?

N. Smith

Houston