Dominique Strauss-Kahn and George Anthony: Unnecessary Pain

The legal system might seek the noble [abstract] goal of justice. 

However, along the way it can inflict tremendous pain, perhaps much of it unnecessary. 

Dominique Strauss-Kahn, accused of sexual transgression against a chambermaid, lost his job and his freedom.  Now, the credibility of the alleged victim is being questioned.

George Anthony, father of alleged child killer Casey Anthony, has been accused of everything from molesting his daughter to an affair.  He had considered suicide.  Recently he fell apart on the stand in court.  His only crime might have been passing on a bad set of genes to a daughter who seems to be a sociopath.

All of this disturbs us because it reminds us how easily it is to be pulled into the legal system.  Once in, few exit without major trauma and hits to a professional and personal reputation.  As communicators, what can we do to eliminate this field of force?  Shrewd handlers in the gay movement essentially removed much of the stigma associated with an alternate sexual orientation.  Maybe we'll come up with a strategy when one of our own gets caught in the legal system.