What is an Alford plea? Explain what it is, whether or not it is constitutional, and why this type of plea has its critics

What will be an ideal response?


An Alford plea occurs when a defendant pleads guilty but still claims his/her innocence. The Supreme Court ruled that such a plea could be accepted (it is constitutional), but allowed judges discretion regarding whether to accept such pleas. Some judges refuse to accept such pleas because the defendant does not have to acknowledge guilt on the record and this is in direct contravention of what guilt is all about. These judges argue that Alford pleas rob society and the victim of justice.

Criminal Justice

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Who represents the only migrants to have come to North and South against their will?

a. Black b. Asian/Pacific Americans c. Latino/Hispanic Americans d. none of the above

Criminal Justice

Lenient supervisors who rate all their subordinates alike are covertly:

a. Disrespected b. Respected c. Liked d. Avoided

Criminal Justice

Under the doctrine of ____________, as long as a state's conduct is fair, it has not violated the Constitution

Fill in the blank(s) with correct word

Criminal Justice

In a tithing, it was only adult ________ members who were held responsible for the conduct of the others

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

Criminal Justice