Sociologists and criminologists often analyze impunity through the lens of power structures and social stratification. They argue that justice systems, while ostensibly universal, are inherently influenced by class, race, and political connections. High-profile individuals can manipulate these systems by accessing superior legal resources, exerting political pressure, and shaping public narratives. This perspective views impunity not as an anomaly, but as a predictable outcome within hierarchical societies where power concentrates both privilege and the ability to circumvent accountability. It points to 'state capture' – where private interests significantly influence a state's decision-making processes – as a key mechanism that allows the powerful to operate beyond the law, eroding public trust in institutions.