Hm, just like real life!
Killers can walk free, even with a guilty plea, if they just have enough idiots campaign to set them free:
http://womenincrimeink.blogspot.com/2010/03/dont-free-west-memphis-thr ee.html
http://www.capitalpunishmentbook.com/?p=618
http://blinkoncrime.com/2011/08/15/the-west-memphis-three-series-part- i-set-free-or-where-they-should-be/