I've been hearing and reading a lot about wrongful convictions, and people spending 5 - 10 and even more years in prison for crimes they did not commit.
It's as though these prosecutors simply do not want to admit that they can make a mistake. This is one of the reasons why so many laymen hate lawyers (and judges also).
Is it that important to gain a conviction, NO MATTER WHAT?
2007-03-11 13:05:52 · 6 answers · asked by rare2findd 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Because wrongful arrest and conviction leaves the state party to a lawsuit. It's not about right and wrong. It's about the green.
2007-03-11 13:11:10 · answer #1 · answered by fearslady 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't say it is the prosecuter's mistake. They are just doing their job. They want to win their case. Why would they care if the person was exhonerated later? Mistakes could have been made by, the investigating officers, the defense attorney or even the person who was charged with the crime for saying something that sounded incriminating to a jury.The judge or jury are who sentences them and ultimately results in someone getting convicted. But things might not have been presented to them because of earlier mistakes along the way. A good prosecuter only takes cases that they think they could win but they don't have a crystal ball.
2007-03-11 20:22:12 · answer #2 · answered by Eisbär 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not that simple.
The job of a prosecutor is to represent the govt, and to obtain a conviction (if they believe the defendant is guilty). Given the high standards ("beyond a reasonable doubt") and the fact that the defendant has a defense attorney, and the fact that the actual verdict is rendered by someone else (usually a jury).... they are just doing their job.
2007-03-11 20:21:06 · answer #3 · answered by coragryph 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No one likes to admit defeat or be embarrassed. They're humans too, and experience the same emotions anyone else would when faced with the facts that they made a mistake... especially one that caused anyone to be taken from their families for extended periods of time over a false conviction.
2007-03-11 20:15:52 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it can be a problem yes but prosecutors don't always choose thier cases. the D.A. does but they have to convince themselves before they try to sway a jury even if the man is innocent there still has to be a prosocution cause you can't deterimin innocence with out it but the problems with the judges is stupid juriors determan guilt ot not.
2007-03-11 20:16:18 · answer #5 · answered by Ash 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
self interst and self protection. a bummer, yep
2007-03-11 20:09:52 · answer #6 · answered by who da wha? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋