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Introduction
The idea that the average American commits three felonies a day is a shocking one. It suggests that our legal system is so complex and convoluted that it’s impossible to navigate without breaking the law. But is it true? In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at this claim and explore its validity.
The Origin of the Claim
The claim that the average American commits three felonies a day have been popularized by a book titled “Three Felonies A Day: How the Feds Target the Innocent” written by Harvey A. Silverglate, a prominent civil liberties attorney. In his book, Silverglate argues that the criminal justice system has become so overreaching that even people who have no intention of breaking the law can find themselves in violation of it.
The Complexity of the Legal System
The complexity of the legal system in the United States is one of the reasons why the claim that the average American commits three felonies a day is plausible. Federal laws alone fill more than 50 volumes of the United States Code, and that’s not even counting state and local laws. The sheer volume of laws makes it difficult for even legal experts to understand all of the nuances and intricacies of the legal system.
Furthermore, the legal system is constantly evolving. New laws are added and old laws are amended or repealed on a regular basis. This means that even if someone knew all the laws at one point in time, they may not be aware of changes that have been made since then. The result is a legal system that is difficult to navigate and that can result in unintentional violations of the law.
The Broad Scope of Criminal Law
Another reason why the claim that the average American commits three felonies a day is plausible is the broad scope of criminal law. Many laws are written in a way that is intentionally vague, leaving room for interpretation. This means that something that may seem innocuous could be interpreted as a violation of the law.
Additionally, some laws are written in a way that makes it easy for people to break them without realizing it. For example, the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, which was originally written to prevent computer hacking, has been used to prosecute people for things like violating a website’s terms of service. This broad interpretation of the law means that people can unwittingly violate the law simply by using a computer.
Conclusion
While the claim that the average American commits three felonies a day may seem shocking, there is some truth to it. The complexity of the legal system and the broad scope of criminal law make it difficult for people to navigate without breaking the law. However, it’s important to note that not all violations of the law are equal, and not all violations result in criminal charges. It’s also worth considering whether the legal system itself needs to be reformed to make it more accessible and less convoluted.
