3 ms·
I like the idea of a justice system where all trials are public and you're tried for the crime you actually committed. But that ship sailed a long time ago, in
by iguy 9y ago
I like the idea of a justice system where all trials are public and you're tried for the crime you actually committed. But that ship sailed a long time ago, in the US -- it's something like 95% plea deals now. Only we pay lip service to old ideas.
Under the current system, it seems to me that plea bargains act as contracts "I agree to serve X years & not go to court", despite being phrased as "I admit guilt for Y crime" on paper.
Of course people actually convicted of crime Y also exist. I'm just surprised that this whole thread assumes that only they exist.
- Maybestring 9y agoThere may even have been incentives to turn other crimes into drug charges. DEA grants to local law enforcement tied drug convictions.
- TheSpiceIsLife 9y agoSome police officers will even plant drugs at the scene of a crime.[1] It would be trivial for a police officer to carry a bag of marijuana/ cocaine / amphetamine and arrest anyone they like for possession. 1. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/24/us/baltimore-officer-video-drugs.html https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/24/us/baltimore-officer-vide...