The Common Man vs The State

Why doesn't a normal person, innocent or not, stand a chance? Take a look at the costs of defense from the WSJ law blog. These guys could afford the huge legal tabs most people are forced to settle.

Sanjay Kumar, Computer Associates: $14.9 million

Dennis Kozlowski, Tyco: $17.7 million and $8 million for each of two trials

Kirk Shelton, Cendant: $24 million

The Rigases, Adelphia: $25 million

Richard Scrushy, HealthSouth: $32 million

Kenneth Lay, Enron: $25 million

Jeffrey Skilling, Enron: $70 million