WilmerHale provides legal representation across a comprehensive range of practice areas critical to the success of its clients. With a staunch commitment to public service, the firm is a leader in pro bono representation. WilmerHale is 1,000 lawyers strong with 12 offices in the United States, Europe and Asia.
A legal expert examines how the modern plea-bargaining system has fundamentally undermined the constitutional right to jury trial that the Founders considered essential to American liberty. The analysis explores historical context from the American Revolution and discusses recent Supreme Court signals suggesting potential reconsideration of longstanding plea bargaining practices.
Two hundred and fifty years ago, a group of men gathered in Philadelphia to declare America’s independence from Great Britain. The familiar story centers on taxes — especially on tea — and the colonists’ dramatic protest in Boston Harbor. But the grievances articulated by the colonists in the Declaration of Independence went far deeper than disputes over taxation. They reflected a struggle over a fundamental feature of self-government: the right to a trial by jury.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
