Epstein Case Reveals Elites’ Contempt for the Rule of Law

The world’s most powerful people don’t believe the law applies to them—so the world’s least powerful people probably don’t either.

The argument: If the law does not present consequences for the illegal behavior of the most powerful, then there is no just reason for it to present consequences for the illegal behavior of anyone.

WHY IT MATTERS

Equality before the law is the most important innovation of the Anglo-American legal system. This principle allows all citizens to expect fair treatment, just outcomes, and a predictable process. This fragile aspect of the law is most mature in the supposedly classless America, but it is now more vulnerable than ever.

The latest Epstein document release has triggered a wave of collapsed careers and reputations over newly revealed associations. Bill Clinton has been compelled to testify before Congress; Brad Karp is no longer chairman of Paul Weiss; Thomas Pritzker is no longer executive chairman of Hyatt; Sultan Ahmed bin Sulaymen is no longer CEO and chairman of DP World; Peter Mandelson was recalled as the UK Ambassador to the US; and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor is no longer a prince of the realm. Yet only Mountbatten-Windsor and Mandelson have been arrested—albeit for alleged crimes unrelated to sexual abuse—and no one has been charged. Meanwhile, dozens of Epstein’s victims remain overlooked, marginalized, and waiting for justice. This contrast has severely eroded confidence in a system that is wholly dependent on trust.