[American Thinker] We Americans have long prided ourselves on the fairness of our system of justice. It remains the best in the world. But, just like a strong and magnificent bridge across a wide river, corrosion can set in. If not monitored and repaired, the bridge can suddenly collapse. Likewise, if we ignore the warning signs, if we do not address the inequities in our justice system, the public will reach a point when there is so little respect for the law that its enforcement will cease to be effective. The danger is that we might become a lawless society, and that will lead to becoming a failed state. Chaos and disintegration could follow.Hyperbole? Here are seven warning signs, present today, that we ignore at great peril.
Plea Bargains Coerce the Innocent to Plead Guilty
One of several defects in the current system of plea bargains is that prosecutors can coerce innocent people to plead guilty to a lesser charge, because otherwise, they may risk years in prison. Such coercion can also entice people to give false testimony against other defendants to help the prosecutor in related cases. Innocent people can also plead guilty, to spare family members who might otherwise be threatened with prosecution.
Costly Attorney Fees Enforce Injustice
Another reason why innocent people may plead guilty to lesser charges is because even if the prosecutor has a weak case, the defendant's legal fees can bankrupt him and his family.