How To Reduce Mandatory Minimums

Many Americans are afraid to challenge an imperfect criminal justice system responsible for allowing thousands of innocent people pleading guilty each year. The 6th Amendment allows “the accused the rights to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury” in all criminal prosecutions. However, most cases never reach to a trial because the plea bargain guarantees the accuser to take a shorter sentence. Prosecutors take advantage of the criminal justice system by using mandatory minimums and past criminal records as leverage for the defendant to plead guilty, even if the accuser claims to be innocent. It is unethical to imbue prosecutors with so much unilateral power. The criminal justice system should consider reducing mandatory minimums, increasing resources for public defenders and administer a magistrate as an arbiter to balance the power between both parties. Reducing mandatory minimums allow the defendant to pursue a fair trial. Prosecutors use mandatory minimums to pressure the defendant to take a plea bargain deal, where additional charges may be added if the defendant elects to go to trial. Many critics are now questioning whether prosecutors are properly trained of charging the defendants a fair sentence rather than …show more content…
Over 97% of all criminal prosecutions agree to a plea bargain deal. A magistrate would examine the case thoroughly and consult with both parties to determine the best possible outcome. Other counties have adopted a similar concept. Although some might argue that it would cost more to administer a longer procedure, the goal is to reduce the number of innocent people being wrongfully convicted of a crime. The magistrate would consult with the prosecutors and the defendant to explore the following options: dismiss the case, go to trial or enter into a plea deal. This would take away the power a prosecutor has over any criminal