Sixteen times Willie Barker’s murder case was set for trial, and sixteen times it was continued. At first the defense readily agreed, gambling that Barker’s codefendant would be found not guilty. Thus, some of the continuances were caused by the six separate trials before the codefendant was finally convicted. Other continuances were granted because of the illness of the police investigator. It was not until five years after arrest that Barker was convicted of murder.
-The problems in prosecuting and convicting Barker indicate what is often needed in interpreting the law?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The problems in prosecuting and convicting Barker demonstrate the need for discretion in interpreting the law, as rigid adherence to the letter of the law may not always produce fair or just outcomes. A judge or prosecutor may need to exercise discretion in weighing the specific circumstances of a case and determining the appropriate application of the law.

Sixteen Times Willie Barker’s Murder Case Was Set for Trial