Essay:Court proceedings as propaganda

Court has sometimes been described as a Shakespearean play. During allocution, the defendant can say what would be relevant to the sentencing factors. This is his opportunity to explain why his behavior was justified. If he declines to defend himself, then this may be construed by onlookers as evidence that he acknowledges his actions were indefensible. Defense attorneys encourage the defendant to apologize so that his remorse can be used as a factor in his favor pursuant to and. However, if he apologizes, then he is acknowledging that he did something wrong, which means that he is also speaking against everyone else who committed the same act.