Description
In Punishment Without Trial: Why Plea Bargaining is a Bad Deal, renowned law professor Carissa Byrne Hessick examines the troubling reality of America’s criminal justice system. Contrary to the popular image of a fair trial depicted in movies and media, the book reveals how plea bargaining has supplanted the right to a jury trial, an essential principle enshrined in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. This groundbreaking exploration highlights that over 97 percent of defendants opt for guilty pleas, often pressured by an intricate web of systemic coercion that favors expedience over justice. Hessick delves into the profound consequences of this practice, detailing how it disproportionately impacts marginalized communities and perpetuates inequalities within the legal framework. Punishment Without Trial not only critiques this pervasive culture of plea deals but also prompts a re-evaluation of the fundamental principles of justice and accountability in America. Discover how plea bargaining undermines fairness and transforms our legal landscape into an arena where innocence is overshadowed by forceful negotiations. Essential reading for law students, legal professionals, and anyone invested in social justice, this book is a clarion call for reforming our approach to criminal justice in a way that honors the rights guaranteed to each individual. Uncover the truth about the plea bargain system that could be affecting you or someone you care about, and join the conversation about necessary changes to restore true justice.