Part 3/9:
One of the most startling revelations is the outsized power prosecutors wield in the criminal justice process. Bazelon shares an eye-opening story about Gregory Taylor, a homeless man who, in need of food, unscrewed a church pantry screen—yet faced the possibility of being sentenced to life in prison for a third strike. This example underscores a troubling reality: in America, only about 1-2% of criminal cases go to trial; the vast majority are resolved through plea bargains negotiated behind closed doors.