Can Jurors Save the Justice System?

submitted by ManWithABanana from thecrimereport.org

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[–]ManWithABanana[S] 1 insightful - 1 fun1 insightful - 0 fun2 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

What a great essay.

The data on the disappearance of the jury trial—98 per cent of criminal cases are concluded without one—are dramatic.

If you need a sound bite to know things need improvement, this is your soundbite.

A key weapon in the insider’s toolbox is the “trial tax.” The threats ratchet up the punishment (and/or the promises ratchet up the leniency) as the case moves along. Plead guilty and you get six months (or three, or probation). Go to trial and lose and you will get five years (or ten, or 15).

This is pretty crazy. Most cases are about getting serious damage to your life by receiving several month sentence or a year. Or, you can go to trial and if you lose you'll get a huge sentence. Only a reformer heedless of their own life (and their families) can take this head on.