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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Plea bargain
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A quick definition of Plea bargain:
A plea bargain is an agreement between a person accused of a crime and the prosecutor. The person agrees to plead guilty to some or all of the charges against them in exchange for a lighter punishment. This helps the prosecutor save time and resources and reduces the number of trials. Sometimes, the person may have to do more than just plead guilty, like testifying against someone else. Plea bargains are controversial because they require the person to give up some of their rights, but they are considered constitutional by the Supreme Court. If someone breaks a plea bargain, the prosecutor may no longer be bound by their obligation, and the person may seek relief from the judge.
A more thorough explanation:
A plea bargain is an agreement between a defendant and a prosecutor in a criminal case. The defendant agrees to plead guilty to some or all of the charges against them in exchange for concessions from the prosecutor. This helps prosecutors to save time and resources and reduces the number of trials that judges need to oversee.
For example, a defendant might agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence. Or, a defendant might agree to testify for the state in cases against other defendants in exchange for a favorable plea bargain.
According to the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance, the majority of criminal cases in the United States end in plea bargaining.
While plea bargaining helps to conserve resources, it is also controversial. Some people feel that it allows defendants to avoid taking responsibility for their crimes. Others argue that it is too coercive and undermines important constitutional rights.
Violating a plea bargain is like breaking a contract, and can result in the prosecutor no longer being bound by their obligations in the plea deal. If a prosecutor reneges on a plea bargain, the defendant may seek relief from the judge.
Overall, plea bargaining is a common practice in the criminal justice system that allows for more efficient resolution of cases, but it also raises important ethical and legal questions.