New Report from Fair Trials on Plea Bargaining Around the World
A new report from Fair Trials is a must read for those interested in plea bargaining issues. Fair Trials is an organization working globally to "improve respect for the fundamental human right to a fair trial." From the description of the report on the Fair Trials website: The trial is the archetype of criminal justice. It has captured the public imagination. Just think of the dominance of court-room drama in film, TV and literature: the intense personal drama of the trial for the defendant, whose life hangs in the balance. The public drama of the trial: after the shadowlands of police custody, the evidence and the actions of police and prosecutors are exposed to the bright light of scrutiny. The public sees the rule of law in action, witnesses real-time, the search for truth and justice. But the trial is starting to disappear. In many parts of the world, trials are being replaced by legal regimes that encourage suspects to admit guilt and waive their right to a full