I have been writing recently about the adverse impact on our justice system caused or exacerbated by the economic crisis - jury trials suspended for a month in NH to save juror per diem costs, vacant judge positions unfilled; 4,000 early inmate releases along with reducing headcount by 600 in the LA sheriff’s department.  And this week, a prosecutor’s office in KY had to close - for the week.  Read more here http://tinyurl.com/c6z65j

Wearing my optimistic hat, I can see this as an opportunity to do things better, more efficient, more effective.  Not unlike losing your job as the impetus to rethink your goals, interests and strengths that start you on a new, more life fulfilling path.

Of course, there is also the potential that this deterioration is a sign of an exorable downward spiral.  What signs did the Romans have?  Will we need to have lower expectations?  Perhaps we can no longer afford our modern law enforcement and justice system.  We will need to wait longer for justice to be served and suffer more lawlessness.  If that is so, shouldn’t it be a planned reduction - setting new lower standards to have a controlled downward spiral rather than erratic?

Which hat are you wearing - optimistic or pessimistic?