Miko Wilford, associate professor of psychology, is leading research into one of the most consequential yet under-examined aspects of the U.S. criminal justice system: plea bargaining. Her work explores how individuals, including the innocent, are pressured into pleading guilty when faced with stark sentencing disparities. Wilford’s findings reveal that large gaps between plea deals and potential trial sentences can compel even innocent defendants to accept guilt, raising serious concerns about fairness and accuracy in the system.
Her research applies psychological science to uncover how legal actors, often with good intentions, may inadvertently contribute to wrongful convictions. With over 90% of U.S. criminal cases resolved through guilty pleas, Wilford’s work highlights the urgent need for reform grounded in data and human behavior.