Blind Injustice

A Former Prosecutor Exposes the Psychology and Politics of Wrongful Convictions

Nonfiction, Reference & Language, Law, Criminal law, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Crimes & Criminals, Criminology
Cover of the book Blind Injustice by Mark Godsey, University of California Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Mark Godsey ISBN: 9780520962958
Publisher: University of California Press Publication: October 10, 2017
Imprint: University of California Press Language: English
Author: Mark Godsey
ISBN: 9780520962958
Publisher: University of California Press
Publication: October 10, 2017
Imprint: University of California Press
Language: English

In this unprecedented view from the trenches, prosecutor turned champion for the innocent Mark Godsey takes us inside the frailties of the human mind as they unfold in real-world wrongful convictions. Drawing upon stories from his own career, Godsey shares how innate psychological flaws in judges, police, lawyers, and juries coupled with a “tough on crime” environment can cause investigations to go awry, leading to the convictions of innocent people.

In Blind Injustice, Godsey explores distinct psychological human weaknesses inherent in the criminal justice system—confirmation bias, memory malleability, cognitive dissonance, bureaucratic denial, dehumanization, and others—and illustrates each with stories from his time as a hard-nosed prosecutor and then as an attorney for the Ohio Innocence Project.

He also lays bare the criminal justice system’s internal political pressures. How does the fact that judges, sheriffs, and prosecutors are elected officials influence how they view cases? How can defense attorneys support clients when many are overworked and underpaid? And how do juries overcome bias leading them to believe that police and expert witnesses know more than they do about what evidence means?

This book sheds a harsh light on the unintentional yet routine injustices committed by those charged with upholding justice. Yet in the end, Godsey recommends structural, procedural, and attitudinal changes aimed at restoring justice to the criminal justice system.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In this unprecedented view from the trenches, prosecutor turned champion for the innocent Mark Godsey takes us inside the frailties of the human mind as they unfold in real-world wrongful convictions. Drawing upon stories from his own career, Godsey shares how innate psychological flaws in judges, police, lawyers, and juries coupled with a “tough on crime” environment can cause investigations to go awry, leading to the convictions of innocent people.

In Blind Injustice, Godsey explores distinct psychological human weaknesses inherent in the criminal justice system—confirmation bias, memory malleability, cognitive dissonance, bureaucratic denial, dehumanization, and others—and illustrates each with stories from his time as a hard-nosed prosecutor and then as an attorney for the Ohio Innocence Project.

He also lays bare the criminal justice system’s internal political pressures. How does the fact that judges, sheriffs, and prosecutors are elected officials influence how they view cases? How can defense attorneys support clients when many are overworked and underpaid? And how do juries overcome bias leading them to believe that police and expert witnesses know more than they do about what evidence means?

This book sheds a harsh light on the unintentional yet routine injustices committed by those charged with upholding justice. Yet in the end, Godsey recommends structural, procedural, and attitudinal changes aimed at restoring justice to the criminal justice system.

More books from University of California Press

Cover of the book Transmedia Frictions by Mark Godsey
Cover of the book Coastal Sage by Mark Godsey
Cover of the book Brunello di Montalcino by Mark Godsey
Cover of the book How to Read a Protest by Mark Godsey
Cover of the book At the Jazz Band Ball by Mark Godsey
Cover of the book Islam and Christianity by Mark Godsey
Cover of the book Decriminalizing Domestic Violence by Mark Godsey
Cover of the book On the Road of the Winds by Mark Godsey
Cover of the book Flawless by Mark Godsey
Cover of the book Myrna Loy by Mark Godsey
Cover of the book Paisanos Chinos by Mark Godsey
Cover of the book Breaking Ranks by Mark Godsey
Cover of the book The Pastoral Clinic by Mark Godsey
Cover of the book A Natural History of California by Mark Godsey
Cover of the book Grad School Essentials by Mark Godsey
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy