There are many arguments against it. I think the main cultural difference is that in general Americans distrust the state more than Europeans do, which is often

There are many arguments against it. I think the main cultural difference is that in general Americans distrust the state more than Europeans do, which is often a good thing. Though, I think with jury trials it fosters a bad system. I am not a lawyer and there are good articles discussing the system, I think lawsuits can often be highly complex and should be handled by professionals, not amateurs. I believe if you look guilty you are better of with professionals, who I imagine are more likely to judge you based on facts instead of sympathy.