Throughout history it has been common practice in the United States to make felons ineligible to vote, sometimes even permanently. Over the past few decades this issue has been a point of controversy as many say it is taking away one’s fundamental right to vote: a quintessential civil liberty in America.   Currently, states fall… Continue reading Should felons maintain their right to vote?

Before there was technology, there was eyewitness testimony. Eyewitness testimony refers to an account given by people of an event they have witnessed. It is historically among the most convincing forms of evidence in criminal trials. The only thing more convincing than an eye-witness is a signed confession. We trust that what the person on… Continue reading Why do people believe in the truthfulness of eyewitness testimony?

There are four basic components in the current judicial system in the United States today. A judge, a jury, a prosecutor, and a defense attorney. Each of these pieces work very differently but are vital to the system.  I would like to focus on one piece: the prosecution. The prosecution is given a fair amount… Continue reading How should prosecutorial discretion be used in criminal cases in the United States?