[keldaris]

How much of that effect could be explained by the ability to afford better legal representation rather than direct preferential treatment?

[AnimalMuppet]

A lot, maybe all. Still, if the rich get better legal outcomes than the poor, that's not justice, whether or not "better lawyers" is the mechanism.

[keldaris]

Certainly not arguing that it's fair or just, but it's important to distinguish the mechanisms to have any hope of potentially improving the situation.