Student Response Questions:
What ethical violations occurred in this case?
The prosecutor in John Doe’s case committed several egregious ethical violations. The most significant was the intentional withholding of exculpatory evidence, which directly violates the prosecutor’s duty to seek justice, not merely convictions. This action also undermined the fairness of the trial and deprived John Doe of his right to due process and a fair defense. Furthermore, it misrepresented the evidence presented to the court and the jury, constituting a breach of honesty and integrity expected of legal professionals.
Should prosecutors lose their immunity if they engage in intentional misconduct? Why or why not?
There is a strong argument to be made that prosecutors should lose their absolute immunity when they engage in intentional misconduct, particularly the deliberate suppression of exculpatory evidence. Prosecutorial immunity is intended to protect prosecutors from frivolous lawsuits and allow them to vigorously pursue justice without fear of undue harassment. However, when a prosecutor intentionally acts in bad faith, concealing evidence that could prove innocence, they are not acting within the scope of their duty to seek justice. Such deliberate misconduct undermines the integrity of the justice system and inflicts profound harm on innocent individuals. Holding prosecutors accountable for intentional wrongdoing through the loss of immunity could serve as a deterrent against such unethical behavior and promote a greater commitment to truth and fairness in the pursuit of convictions.
What reforms could prevent cases like John Doe’s from happening again?
Several reforms could help prevent similar wrongful convictions. Mandatory and comprehensive discovery rules requiring the prosecution to disclose all evidence, including exculpatory material, early in the process are crucial. Establishing independent Conviction Integrity Units with sufficient resources and authority to review potential wrongful convictions proactively is vital. Implementing stricter ethical guidelines with clear consequences for prosecutorial misconduct, including potential disciplinary actions and loss of immunity for intentional violations, could also serve as a deterrent.
What impact do wrongful convictions have on individuals and society?
Wrongful convictions have devastating and far-reaching impacts on both individuals and society. For the wrongly convicted individual, the experience entails years, often decades, of lost freedom, separation from loved ones, and the profound psychological trauma of being unjustly incarcerated. They may suffer damage to their reputation, difficulty reintegrating into society, and lasting emotional and mental health issues. Societally, wrongful convictions erode trust in the justice system, creating a perception of unfairness and the potential for innocent people to be punished while the actual perpetrators remain free, potentially committing further crimes. They also represent a significant failure of the legal system to uphold its fundamental principles of justice and due process.
