The system is imperfect, but just go live in a different country for a while that doesn't have these protections, or they exist only on paper. But don't FAFO, just watch. There's an Australian who's been in jail over 10 years in the Philippines and hasn't been brought to trial. They've had hearings, but no trial. If I wasn't convinced he was guilty I'd really feel sorry for him. I kept squeaky clean in the Philippines. I didn't want to be on the inside depending on people outside to look out for me and bring me real food. Due process - at least you get to plea bargain if you're poor. Right to an atty, speedy trial, presumption of innocence, confront witnesses - all those become precious when you don't have them. And the prisons are terrible - ours aren't the best, but we aren't the worst.

Speaking of the Bill of Rights, we have learned these rights are not absolute,

Who is we? Are you pretending here Mike? How can you grow up in the USA and not know they aren't absolute. All rights exist in tension with other rights (Albaby quot - tipping hat) :) . Every once in a while we actually learn about someone who got into the system, was never tried for years and died in jail - or something similar. But they're usually black Mike, so we don't have to worry as much, do we?