"I'm sure I took some licks at the system, and at trials and lawyers in general. I've seen enough of them for so many years both as a cop and a defendant in defamation cases"

In this quote, Joseph Wambaugh supplies an honest reflection on his interactions and experiences with the legal system. Wambaugh, known for his work as a policeman turned author, has navigated the complex legal landscape both expertly and personally. The expression "I took some licks at the system" recommends a critical stance toward the legal and judicial systems. It implies that he has voiced or expressed criticisms of the system, most likely recognizing its flaws or shortcomings based upon his observations and experiences. This criticism might be a result of his deep involvement in legal matters, offered his background in law enforcement and subsequent encounters with the judicial processes as an offender.

The expression "at trials and legal representatives in general" expands the scope of his criticism beyond just the system itself to consist of the individuals who work within it, such as legal representatives. This likely comes from his experiences in courtrooms, where the adversarial nature of trials may have exposed him to what he perceives as ineffectiveness or oppressions in legal procedures.

His referral to being "a defendant in libel cases" includes a personal measurement to this reflection, indicating that his criticisms are not merely theoretical but are grounded in personal trials. As an accused in disparagement cases, Wambaugh would have faced the rigors of safeguarding his reputation, potentially against allegations connected to his outspoken nature or his review of police practices through his writing. This dual identity, of both an enforcer of the law and someone subjected to its procedures, may have given him an unique, albeit important, perspective on the legal system.

In general, Wambaugh's quote highlights his complex relationship with the legal system-- one that is both informed by professional task and personal experience. It reflects his broader commentary on justice, its administration, and the inescapable flaws found within the structures meant to uphold it.