Abstract
This study investigates the challenges faced by innocent defendants in the plea bargaining system. The dilemma arises from the choice between a risky trial and an immediate conviction for a reduced charge. The research, conducted with fifty-six undergraduate students, the rationality of innocent defendants, the influence of jail threats, socioeconomic status, and gender differences. Using hypothetical scenarios, participants review documents related to a fictitious charge, and ANOVA as well as chi-square statistical analyses are employed to assess the impact of various factors on plea decisions. Surprisingly, the presence of jail time did not significantly influence the likelihood of innocent defendants accepting guilty pleas. However, those who chose guilty pleas perceived their decisions as rational. Socioeconomic status and gender did not significantly affect plea decisions in this study. While the sample's limitations are acknowledged, the research highlights the consistent occurrence of false guilty pleas, emphasizing the need for further exploration with a more diverse sample. The study suggests potential significance in socioeconomic status with a larger sample and encourages future research to consider psychological factors, quasi-experimental designs with real defendants, and the role of attorneys in the plea bargaining process. Despite inconsistencies, the research underscores the importance of understanding the complex factors in the plea bargaining system within the criminal justice system.
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Exploring the Dilemma of Innocent Defendants in the Plea Bargaining System
This study investigates the challenges faced by innocent defendants in the plea bargaining system. The dilemma arises from the choice between a risky trial and an immediate conviction for a reduced charge. The research, conducted with fifty-six undergraduate students, the rationality of innocent defendants, the influence of jail threats, socioeconomic status, and gender differences. Using hypothetical scenarios, participants review documents related to a fictitious charge, and ANOVA as well as chi-square statistical analyses are employed to assess the impact of various factors on plea decisions. Surprisingly, the presence of jail time did not significantly influence the likelihood of innocent defendants accepting guilty pleas. However, those who chose guilty pleas perceived their decisions as rational. Socioeconomic status and gender did not significantly affect plea decisions in this study. While the sample's limitations are acknowledged, the research highlights the consistent occurrence of false guilty pleas, emphasizing the need for further exploration with a more diverse sample. The study suggests potential significance in socioeconomic status with a larger sample and encourages future research to consider psychological factors, quasi-experimental designs with real defendants, and the role of attorneys in the plea bargaining process. Despite inconsistencies, the research underscores the importance of understanding the complex factors in the plea bargaining system within the criminal justice system.