Fenton, population 226, brings in over $1 million per year through its mayor’s court, an unusual justice system in which the mayor can serve as judge even though he’s responsible for town finances.

  • FuglyDuck@lemmy.world
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    8 months ago

    yup. But, I imagine a half-decent lawyer could turn that into a class action and make bank.

    • canthidium@lemmy.world
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      8 months ago

      I dunno the success of any suits against these towns, but they exist all over the country. They count on you passing through and not being able to come back for court.

      • FuglyDuck@lemmy.world
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        8 months ago

        Which is perhaps why a class action might be the best way to go, rather than just appealing it.

        But part of due process is a free and impartial trial. I suspect there’s other forms of corruption, as well, though. It’s the kind of thing that festers

        • Usul_00_@lemmy.world
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          8 months ago

          But you have to have $$ for it be worth a lawsuit. Notice in this case they don’t even keep records, so it’s likely hard to even fight them using their own papers. Better would be to contest in federal court using the Supreme Court opinion imo