What drives the prison population to rise? Is it due to racial injustice, poverty, economic inequality or is it all of the above? While many do seek plea bargains from the courts, and with probation and parole this all intertwines with one another. Unfortunately, America has 25% of the prison population, with only having 5% of the world's population (Inimai, 2015). I have found some benefits, and some disadvantages to plea bargaining, probation and parole. As well as some issues with prison population.
Most convictions going to court end in plea bargaining. Which is strange, if people feel they are innocent instead of fighting it, they will settle for a plea bargaining. It is also easier for the judges, and the courtroom actors. The reason it is easier for a plea bargain is because there is no need to hold future trials. It is beneficial for prosecutors as well. For example, a plea bargain no matter what serves a conviction. If the defendant continues going through trial, an OJ Simpson type trial could happen. A long, very expensive trial, that ultimately left him not guilty. I am not trying to say he was guilty or not, but if OJ agreed to a plea bargain his case wouldn’t have been as infamous as it is today. Another reason prosecutors use a plea bargain when there are two defendants. The may offer a deal to one defendant if they agree to testify on the other. A plea bargain can also reduce the cost of a case by $4,200 (Vittana). For example, NCJRS reports the cost of prosecuting and defending a drug offender can cost up to 70,000 dollars per incident. For just ten cases it can cost upwards to 700,000 dollars! With many advantages there are disadvantages too. If a person is innocent but cannot afford a lawyer, they may just agree to a plea bargain. While it may seem good because it is less of a sentence, but it creates a criminal record. Also, a judge is the “ruler” of the courtroom. That being said they can deny the plea bargain that the prosecutor and defendant agreed. Although it is very uncommon for a judge not to go with the plea bargain, it is an option. Lastly, …show more content…
Probation is the most commonly conviction, sixty-one percent of people are convicted to probation (Vann Damme, 2017). Housing an offender has cost 68 billion dollars per year (Vann Damme, 2017). A simple alternative is probation and parole, the only difference is the offenders on probation are typically considered nonviolent. People on parole had felony convictions although, they have had careful consideration before being released. Even though people on probation and parole are in society, they are not free. They must keep tabs with their probation or parole officer. Also, they must follow guidelines, from meeting with the officer frequently, to getting a job. Not only does it keep the cost from housing them, it offers second chances. From showing good behavior it goes a long way for the parole board. Many people on probation are from plea bargains, in order to avoid jail time. Since they have the chance of being sent back, many will try their best to not get convicted of another crime while being on probation, or parole. Thus, reducing the recidivism, and increasing safety to the
Most convictions going to court end in plea bargaining. Which is strange, if people feel they are innocent instead of fighting it, they will settle for a plea bargaining. It is also easier for the judges, and the courtroom actors. The reason it is easier for a plea bargain is because there is no need to hold future trials. It is beneficial for prosecutors as well. For example, a plea bargain no matter what serves a conviction. If the defendant continues going through trial, an OJ Simpson type trial could happen. A long, very expensive trial, that ultimately left him not guilty. I am not trying to say he was guilty or not, but if OJ agreed to a plea bargain his case wouldn’t have been as infamous as it is today. Another reason prosecutors use a plea bargain when there are two defendants. The may offer a deal to one defendant if they agree to testify on the other. A plea bargain can also reduce the cost of a case by $4,200 (Vittana). For example, NCJRS reports the cost of prosecuting and defending a drug offender can cost up to 70,000 dollars per incident. For just ten cases it can cost upwards to 700,000 dollars! With many advantages there are disadvantages too. If a person is innocent but cannot afford a lawyer, they may just agree to a plea bargain. While it may seem good because it is less of a sentence, but it creates a criminal record. Also, a judge is the “ruler” of the courtroom. That being said they can deny the plea bargain that the prosecutor and defendant agreed. Although it is very uncommon for a judge not to go with the plea bargain, it is an option. Lastly, …show more content…
Probation is the most commonly conviction, sixty-one percent of people are convicted to probation (Vann Damme, 2017). Housing an offender has cost 68 billion dollars per year (Vann Damme, 2017). A simple alternative is probation and parole, the only difference is the offenders on probation are typically considered nonviolent. People on parole had felony convictions although, they have had careful consideration before being released. Even though people on probation and parole are in society, they are not free. They must keep tabs with their probation or parole officer. Also, they must follow guidelines, from meeting with the officer frequently, to getting a job. Not only does it keep the cost from housing them, it offers second chances. From showing good behavior it goes a long way for the parole board. Many people on probation are from plea bargains, in order to avoid jail time. Since they have the chance of being sent back, many will try their best to not get convicted of another crime while being on probation, or parole. Thus, reducing the recidivism, and increasing safety to the