In addition, cases only go to trial that are contestible—where the prosecution thinks it can be proved beyond reasonable doubt but the defence does not.
Or in cases where the defendant is, you know, actually innocent. Some people find that they can’t stomach the idea of pleading guilty to a crime they didn’t commit, whether or not they can prevail in court.
And cases when the penalty after going to trial is likely to be the same as the penalty after a guilty plea. If the sentence is mandatory life, might as well roll the die and hope you get the jury that doesn’t believe confessions, DNA, ballistics, or eyewitnesses.
Or in cases where the defendant is, you know, actually innocent. Some people find that they can’t stomach the idea of pleading guilty to a crime they didn’t commit, whether or not they can prevail in court.
And cases when the penalty after going to trial is likely to be the same as the penalty after a guilty plea. If the sentence is mandatory life, might as well roll the die and hope you get the jury that doesn’t believe confessions, DNA, ballistics, or eyewitnesses.