If one look at this practice from the transcendental nonsense view, I guess one could say that people justify their opinions and actions internally by deciding what they morally and/or practically want, which is then packaged externally in a way that reflects what they think others want (or want to hear) combined with what they think they can get away with. A self-interested balancing act, to be sure. I know Cohen wasn't phrasing things this ego-centrically, but I think the social forces to which refers are implemented through this thought process. Is my position too cynical?

-- BarbPitman - 30 Jan 2008

This article relates to Eben's point regarding torture/confession as an element of establishing proof in other law systems.

The focus in on the Japanese practice of obtaining confessions from suspects through various coercive techniques. "Forced signed confessions, still considered the "king of evidence" by Japanese courts, are often the result."

"'Justice' Japanese style", Japan Times

-- TheodoreSmith - 30 Jan 2008

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