Our justice system has three branches law enforcement, the court, and corrections. Law enforcement take calls, make arrests, investigate and sometimes even testify. Courts are where the cases are presented in front of the jury or judge and a desicion is made as to whether they are innocent or guilty. The Corrections Department houses all inmates and tries to rehabilitate them. During a trail the prosecutor must prove that the defendant is guilty beyond reasonable doubt. It is not the job of the defendant to prove that he is innocent. The prosecutor must present evidence that helps to prove his case. This means that the evidence should convince the jury or the judge. If the prosecutor can’t prove that the person is guilty they have to let them go. If he is found guilty then he will be sentenced.
It is said that all men are innocent until proven guilty, however in the last century may innocent people have gone to jail for crimes that they did not commit. Our judicial system has gotten better since DNA testing has become more accurate, over the years proving the incense and guilt of many people. I feel that people who do not have money to pay for an attorney are at a disadvantage in court and have less chances of winning. If you look at some of the famous cases of rich people and rich companies and compare those to poor people there definitely will be a differnce in the outcome of each case. People who cannot afford bail must remain in jail until they go to court. People who are wealthy can afford to post bail and can go home with their family. The conviction rate among the poor is higher than the conviction rate among the rich. This doesn’t seem equal or fair to me. I feel that we still need to improve our justice system so that there is equality across the board for everyone regardless of race, religion, and income.
Alexis's Blog 