Can China's Show Trial Show Way to Reform?

When Bo Xilai, the disgraced Chinese Communist leader, is tried this week in the eastern city of Jinan, what’s his best defense against allegations of embezzlement, bribery and abuse of power?

On a practical level, he has none. The Chinese Communist Party is eager to restore its legitimacy with a public that views it -- charitably -- as hopelessly corrupt, and Bo’s predetermined conviction is a big part of accomplishing that task.