Skip to content

Guilty Quote by Michelle Alexander

“Thousands of people plead guilty to crimes every year in the United States because they know that the odds of a jury's believing their word over a police officer's are slim to none.” quote by Michelle Alexander
Download Open image
“Thousands of people plead guilty to crimes every year in the United States because they know that the odds of a jury's believing their word over a police officer's are slim to none.”

Michelle Alexander

About This Quote

Source Book: The New Jim Crow, 2010

The justice system often favors police testimony over jurors, leading many guilty pleas despite innocence.

In simple terms: Legal bias can coerce false confessions.

Key Takeaway

Be aware of systemic inequities in courts.

Themes

justice bias legal system jury police authority

Mood

critical concerned

Type

legal social commentary

When to use this quote

  • courtroom testimony
  • public defender strategy
  • policy reform

Key Concepts

Criminology systemic racism due process

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can jurors be better educated on bias?
  • What reforms could balance testimony credibility?
A Different Perspective

Jury decisions are still influenced by evidence quality, not just bias.

3.6 out of 5 (10 ratings)

More by Michelle Alexander

Explore all 381 Michelle Alexander quotes

More Guilty quotes

Browse all 1,985 Guilty quotes