Judicial policy

GuiltyDQ12: Why Innocent People Plead Guilty

After reviewing the material in the lesson and watching the Ted Talk below please answer the following questions:

1) Discuss the reasons why innocent people plead guilty. Provide specific examples from the video and outside research.

2) What steps would you take to prevent innocent from people taking a plea deal? Provide specific examples from the video and outside research.

3) What are the consequences of innocent people accepting guilty pleas? Provide specific examples.

Why Innocent People Plead Guilty | Adnan Sultan | TEDxFurmanU

Duration: 13:12

User: n/a – Added: 3/18/18

Make sure to:

• Write a short essay or paragraph of at least 500 words.
• Use concrete examples/details and avoid generalities.
• Address all questions.
• Use proper grammar and punctuation.
• If you researched your topic and are using information from what you learned, remember to cite your sources.
• Do not plagiarize.

Using simple terms, paraphrase this text:

The assignment needs to have a word count of 500 words

In the United States criminal justice system, many people believe that innocent individuals would never plead guilty to a crime they did not commit. However, research and real-life examples show that this happens more often than expected. The TED Talk Why Innocent People Plead Guilty by Adnan Sultan explains how pressure, fear, and unequal power in the justice system can push innocent people into accepting plea deals.

One major reason innocent people plead guilty is fear of harsher punishment. Prosecutors often offer a plea deal that includes a much lighter sentence than what a defendant might receive if they go to trial and lose. Even an innocent person may choose a plea deal if the risk of a long prison sentence is too high. In the video, Sultan describes cases where defendants faced years in prison if convicted at trial but were offered a much shorter sentence if they pleaded guilty. Faced with this choice, many people choose what feels like the safer option, even if it means admitting to something they did not do.

Another important reason is pretrial detention and bail. Many people cannot afford bail and are forced to stay in jail while waiting for their case. Being in jail means losing a job, missing school, and being separated from family. Sultan gives an example of a man who pleaded guilty simply to get out of jail, even though there was weak evidence against him. Research supports this, showing that people who are held in jail before trial are much more likely to accept plea deals than those who are released.

Lack of information is another factor. Prosecutors usually have more resources and access to evidence than defense attorneys, especially public defenders who handle many cases at once. Innocent defendants may not fully understand the evidence against them or their chances at trial. This imbalance can make a plea deal seem like the only realistic option.

To prevent innocent people from accepting guilty pleas, several steps could be taken. First, bail reform would reduce pressure on defendants. If more people were released before trial, they would be less likely to plead guilty just to regain their freedom. Second, early and full sharing of evidence by prosecutors would allow defense attorneys to better evaluate cases before plea negotiations begin. This would help innocent people make informed decisions. Third, improving funding and support for public defenders would ensure defendants receive strong legal guidance instead of rushed advice. Judges could also play a larger role in reviewing plea deals to ensure they are fair and not coercive.

The consequences of innocent people pleading guilty are serious. On a personal level, a guilty plea can lead to a criminal record, difficulty finding a job, loss of housing opportunities, and damage to a persons reputation. Even minor convictions can affect education, immigration status, and future employment. Sultan explains that these consequences can follow someone for life. On a larger scale, wrongful guilty pleas harm trust in the justice system. When innocent people are punished, the real offenders may remain free, and public confidence in law enforcement and courts decreases.

In conclusion, innocent people plead guilty because of fear, pressure, lack of resources, and unequal power in the legal system. By reforming bail practices, improving access to evidence, and strengthening legal defense, the justice system could better protect innocent individuals and uphold fairness.