The Plea: Frontline PBS Video

Please respond to these short answer question with critical thinking and analysis, essay format, completer sentences, and minimum one hundred words per response.

1. Do you agree with Judge Caprice Cosper that "the system would just entirely collapse" if every case in the criminal justice system received a trial by jury? Why or why not?

2. Do you believe court appointed lawyers (public defenders) help or hurt whom they are appointed too? Use the experiences of Regina Kelly and Erma Stewart as examples.

3. What is your reaction to the remaining Hearne "Drug Bust" cases that were dismissed after the informant was found not to be credible? What does this say about those who did plea bargain?

4. Do you believe that defendants should always have a role in plea bargaining discussions, or should such discussion only involve judges, lawyers and/or victims? Use the experience of Charles Gampero, Jr. as an example.

5. What is your reaction to Kelly Jarrett's decision to not take a plea bargain?