First off, the vast majority of folks snatched up in these stings end up pleading guilty. It's simple logic, a certainty of spending 20 years in prison is vastl

First off, the vast majority of folks snatched up in these stings end up pleading guilty. It's simple logic, a certainty of spending 20 years in prison is vastly better than the chance of serving a life sentence or being executed. However, from the strictest legal perspective it's questionable how much the entrapment defense could be used in these cases. From a practical perspective much of this is clearcut entrapment. However, from a legal perspective you have folks who very clearly make strong statements saying they are willing to commit acts of terror and then when presented with the opportunity (in an elaborate masquerade put on by federal agents) they follow through. I can't imagine many lawyers salivating at the prospect of defending that.