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Why Is Plea Bargaining Unfair

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Plea bargaining is a controversial topic that helps to put criminals and jail while simultaneously giving them a chance at a future life through reduced sentences. Though it helps to solve cases and save money, because of the lack of lengthy trials, plea bargains can intimidate the accused into admitting crimes they did not commit. When faced with a questionable case and the fate of a skeptical jury looming over an accused, they may plead out, fearing they will be charged for a crime they did not commit. For example, Robert H made the point that if he, an innocent man with a witness that proves such, pleads not guilty and faces the death sentence or can be offered a plea bargain to pay a fine and plead guilty, he would clearly take the latter. Therefore, plea bargaining devalues the legal system by allowing for criminals to take the easy way out and intimidating innocent people into admitting guilt. It takes away from the values of the legal system; …show more content…
She received two 12 year sentences running concurrently for the manslaughter of two of their victims. In turn, she testified against her husband, confirming that he was the mastermind behind the rapes and murders. However, after the deal was made and Homolka had testified, video tapes of Homolka and Bernardo committing the crimes were found. These tapes showed Homolka taking a large role in the rapes and murders she previously blamed completely on her husband. This sparked controversy over how a plea bargain could allow for this type of criminal get away with 12 years. Nonetheless, Homolka spoke to the character of her husband, that he was an easily angered, violent man who she feared to leave lest she face life threatening consequences. It is thought that this helped to sway the jury and convict Bernardo to life in prison with a dangerous offender status making it unlikely he will ever be

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