mandatory sentences
Innocent people can fold under threat of mandatory minimums
Re "Repeal mandatory minimum drug sentences" (Editorial, June 7): How many innocent people plead guilty to avoid the chance of a long mandatory sentence? No matter how weak the evidence, a small chance of a long unjust sentence can coerce a guilty plea.
All protections of a fair trial are useless if prosecutors can coerce defendants to give them up.
Mandatory sentences greatly undermine confidence in the justice system.
Re "Repeal mandatory minimum drug sentences" (Editorial, June 7): How many innocent people plead guilty to avoid the chance of a long mandatory sentence? No matter how weak the evidence, a small chance of a long unjust sentence can coerce a guilty plea.
All protections of a fair trial are useless if prosecutors can coerce defendants to give them up.
Mandatory sentences greatly undermine confidence in the justice system.