Criminal Evidence and Procedure- Module 3 Assignment-

Alford Plea Paper

Paper describing how the Alford guilty plea permits a defendant to enter a guilty plea while at the same time protesting his or her innocence. Defendants seek to use an Alford plea when they want to avoid the greater sentence they generally face if they take their case to trial and lose. What do you see as the advantages and disadvantages of the courts allowing the use of the Alford Plea? If it was up to you, would you allow the Alford Plea to be used? Why or why not?

Please be very specific and provide relevant examples.

Explain the legal concept of the Alford Plea. What are the advantages and disadvantages to entering an Alford Plea, to both the prosecution and the defendant. If you were the sole decision maker, would our legal system retain and use the Alford Plea or would you abolish it. Why or why not. Please provide very specific reasoning and examples to support your decision.