美国死刑案件有罪答辩自愿性探微

A Probe on the Voluntary Plea of Guilt in Death Penalty Cases in America

在美国,享有不被强迫自证其罪的权利是保障被告人认罪自愿性的基础。在死刑案件中,被告人作有罪答辩时得到了有效而合格的律师帮助、具有与其律师交流的能力、在知晓指控的性质和答辩有罪的后果是被告人自愿认罪的标志,选择陪审团审判而可能被判处死刑并不是强迫被告人认罪的必然因素。

In the United States, the privilege against self incrimination is the base for defendant to guarantee the voluntary plea of guilt. In death penalty cases, if the defendant has the effective and suitable legal aid, have the ability to communicate with the lawyer, and understand the indictment essence and the outcome of plea of guilt, it means the guilty plea is voluntary. The possibility of getting death penalty because of choosing jury trial is not the indispensable factor of compelling guilty plea.