Here's a classic California opinion. A lot of briefing in the trial court. An appeal, with counsel for both the government and for both of the defendants paid for by the state. An initial appellate opinion produced by three state-paid appellate justices and their staff. Review by the (state-paid) California Supreme Court, resulting in a transfer for the Court of Appeal to reconsider its decision. More briefing filed by state-paid counsel for both sides. Resulting in another 20-plus page opinion by the Court of Appeal.
All over whether a particular restitution order should be reduced by the princely sum of $750 for one of the defendants and $205 for the other.
A $15,000+ restitution order imposed upon two minors that, in all likelihood, will never be paid anyway.
At least arguably not a perfect allocation of substantial social resources.
