Who doesn't like a good detective show? Law and Order, CSI: Wherever, and, for the diehards, good old Murder, She Wrote. The best part about (most) TV shows is that the bad guys end up with their just desserts (and who doesn't want dessert? Shmoop will take pumpkin pie with a side of cheesecake, please and thank you). Yet in reality, ice cream cones get dropped sometimes, and justice doesn't always work. Sometimes guilties go free and innocents suffer. Why? Because justice is flawed. Look at Steve's case in Monster, in which most of the witnesses testify on plea deals, and the head detective may have had less-than-pure motives. It's the sad truth, but let's not despair—a flawed justice system triumphs over no justice system. So carry on, Law and Order—attempt to bring justice (and chocolate mousse) to the world.
Questions About Justice
- Is Steve guilty? Why do/don't you think so?
- How thorough was Detective Karyl's investigation? Does he have other motives? How can you tell?
- How just is the Justice Department?
- Why does O'Brien think Steve's age and race work against him?
Chew on This
Testimonies from criminals receiving a plea deal should be trusted and considered valid evidence in a criminal trial.
Testimonies from criminals receiving a plea deal should neither be trusted nor considered valid evidence in a criminal trial.