There is a common lie about the functioning of the state called "rule of law". A state is said to be respecting rule of law if politicians, police and other state functionaries are not allowed to flout the law, as it exists on paper. Often (when convenient, and for ulterior motives) USA will criticize third world dictators for not respecting rule of law. In reality, it is pure hypocrisy, as evidenced by all of the police that literally get away with murder. Even when there are video records of their crimes, such as the murder of Oscar Grant by Johannes Mesehrle, courts are loathe to deal police officers any punishment beyond a slap on the wrist. Liberal activists claim that this inconsistent application of the law weakens the legal system. Really, though, it would make the legal system much weaker if "law enforcement" personnel were not virtually immune from prosecution. Imagine the chilling effect this would have on the police. It is more in the interest of the courts to lose face with the public every so often than it would be to keep their attack dogs on leashes.
