[devilbunny]

I don't live in NY or NJ, but from some reading in the past, a card like this will get you out of a minor violation - speeding < 15 mph over the limit, or a rolling stop at a sign. It might get you out of a bigger one, but the officer on the scene can and will confiscate the card and take it up with the issuing officer directly.

It's still dirty, but the system is not completely without checks and balances.

[lesuorac]

But the existing system (involving courts) was determined by individuals who were rather directly voted on by the citizens.

This system of out-of-jail-free cards was decided by a separate group of individuals. If the elected representatives wanted police & friends to be above the law they could've done so and in fact for police they often have (Sovereign Immunity / Qualified Immunity) but for friends they didn't.