But as time passed, plea bargaining corrupted the justice system. Plea bargaining creates a fictional crime in order to avoid going to trial over a real one. This practice of having people admit to what did not happen in order to avoid charges for what did happen creates a culture that, as it develops, eventually permits prosecutors to bring charges in the absence of crimes. As a little yeast leavens the whole loaf, systematized falsehoods about crimes corrupt the entire criminal justice process. By making the facts of the case malleable, plea bargaining enables prosecutors to supplement weak evidence with psychological pressure.
Many innocent people cop a plea just to end their ordeal.
Whether the defendant is innocent or guilty, plea bargaining, the demise of the prosecutorial ethic and the erosion of the Rights of Englishmen ensure that wrongful conviction is endemic in the criminal justice system. Would you like to see them add this columnist to their newspaper. Use this form to find your local paper's email address and recommend this columnist. Member Groups Accuracy in Academia Accuracy in Media Acton Institute Association of Christian Schools American Conservative Union American Family Association Amer. Young America's Foundation Issues Library Budget and Tax Culture and Family Defense Budget Economics Education Environment Foreign Policy Government Reform Health and Science Internet and Tech.