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~95% of all convictions derive from plea bargains, and a not-insignificant portion (2-8%) of those are estimated to be innocent.[1]

So, we have a system where an investigator can indeed "feel clever," produce a defendant based on sketchy evidence, who then pleads out for any number of reasons. Neither judge nor jury ever hears what the evidence is in these cases. Ta da: the immaculate conviction.

1. https://www.themarshallproject.org/2014/12/26/plea-bargainin...




And this is a problem that go away with less evidence collection?


No, I'm saying that the plea system is the constant. The amount of evidence collected is often irrelevant.




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