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I like the idea of a justice system where all trials are public and you're tried for the crime you actually committed. But that ship sailed a long time ago, in the US -- it's something like 95% plea deals now. Only we pay lip service to old ideas.

Under the current system, it seems to me that plea bargains act as contracts "I agree to serve X years & not go to court", despite being phrased as "I admit guilt for Y crime" on paper.

Of course people actually convicted of crime Y also exist. I'm just surprised that this whole thread assumes that only they exist.



There may even have been incentives to turn other crimes into drug charges. DEA grants to local law enforcement tied drug convictions.


Some police officers will even plant drugs at the scene of a crime.[1]

It would be trivial for a police officer to carry a bag of marijuana/ cocaine / amphetamine and arrest anyone they like for possession.

1. https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/24/us/baltimore-officer-vide...




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