Emily Bazelon Libri

The American criminal justice system is intended to be a balanced contest between prosecution and defense, overseen by judges to ensure fairness. However, prosecutors wield disproportionate power, determining who is imprisoned or even sentenced to death, which leads to significant injustice and contributes to mass incarceration. In this context, Emily Bazelon reveals the critical role of prosecutors in perpetuating these issues. Yet, they also hold the potential to enact meaningful reform without the need for new laws. By addressing mass incarceration, coercive plea bargains, wrongful convictions, and racial bias, prosecutors can initiate change. As elected officials in nearly every state, they are accountable to the public, allowing citizens to influence their decisions. Recently, a wave of reform-minded prosecutors has emerged in major cities, demonstrating their impact on individuals within the system and forming a collective voice for justice and mercy. Bazelon critiques the current state of the criminal justice system while highlighting this movement for change, emphasizing the opportunity for a more equitable approach to justice.