Why is a DUI arrest so interesting?

[JHan]

42. In this case, however...

There was no victim, except perhaps Tiger himself. If actions result in a person being killed, their car indented, them swerving off the road due to the irresponsible driving of others, then yes, harm was caused. That isn't this case here.

I'll put it this way as well - People can be arrested if a police officer decides he or she will follow the letter of the law in that circumstance, resulting in a blemished record. This happens a lot in poorer communities, partly due to "broken windows" policing. No victim involved but they get a stain on their record, meaning getting a job becomes more difficult. Tiger is not the same of course, he's a celebrity and enjoys a certain measure of privilege ( although some love to target celebrities) but I'm taking the individual out of situation here and looking at it on the bare facts alone.

As for drunk driving laws, I am 100% in favor of them and you are right, they are important, but it's possible that in situations they are too broadly applied, and enforcement too harsh compared with the risk to others or level of inebriation.