At least on the legislative and judicial levels, a Massachusetts newcomer quickly learns the state sometimes resembles a banana republic. American-style justice can be elusive.

That’s what makes Gov. Mitt Romney’s reform agenda so difficult to implement: it might be easier to end corruption in Nigeria than the Democrat-ruled Bay State. That Rhode Island is even worse provides little comfort.

A Saudi royal is learning, Teddy style, that the Commonwealth is the best place to mow down a young father while plastered. That’s especially true when one is blessed with surnames such as Kennedy and Al-Saud.

After all, not only will Bader Al-Saud serve just a year in prison for killing 37-year-old Orlando Ramos, he actually got to choose which one!

And in keeping with the good taste one would expect from Saudi royals, he of course chose the Cape and Islands, Martha’s Vineyard to be exact.

Perhaps a Chappaquiddick furlough is in order if Al-Saud properly behaves in what passes for prison on Martha’s Vineyard?

From the Boston Herald:

Bader Al-Saud, a former philosophy student at Suffolk University, was hurtling down Charles Street at nearly 50 mph in a luxury SUV on Oct. 29, 2002. He plowed into Orlando Ramos of Cambridge, killing the 37-year-old itinerant landscaper. His body landed 150 feet away, authorities said.

“He killed someone and he gets to pick where he wants to go to jail?” said an outraged Paula Caruso, mother of Ramos’ daughter, Jennifer, 16. “Why? Because he has money he gets to choose?”

A lawyer for Jennifer Ramos said her family was infuriated to learn that Al-Saud has been allowed to choose an island getaway – the Dukes County Jail and House of Corrections in Edgartown – as his prison.

“A number of the family members literally almost came out of their seats,” said attorney Richard A. Eustis.“It appears the defendant is being given special consideration that your typical Suffolk defendant isn’t usually given.”

Al-Saud’s blood alcohol level was .12, above the legal limit of .08, the night of the crash, police said.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ramos-Caruso family as they deal with this outrage.