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True, however, most prosecutors are trying to get high conviction rates, and don't care about the good to society.



Wouldn't that deter prosecutors from going after relatively minor crimes that are less likely to lead to a conviction?


Not really, a plea bargain resulting in any punishment at all counts as a conviction for the prosecutor. A case like CP or cocaine possession which are in most jurisdictions basically straight liability crimes are very nearly guaranteed convictions. Plus, it never looks bad for a prosecutor to have convicted a child pornographer when it comes time to run for re-election. And not prosecuting such a case would lead to ads run against you saying that you're soft on child rapists.




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