What does 'plea bargaining' involve?

Plea bargaining is a critical part of the criminal justice system that involves the negotiation between the defendant and the prosecution. In this process, a defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence or the dropping of more serious charges. This is beneficial for both sides: the defendant often receives a lighter penalty than they might face if found guilty at trial, while the prosecution conserves resources and secures a conviction without the need for a lengthy trial.

This process helps alleviate the court's workload, as trials can be time-consuming and expensive. It also allows defendants to have a degree of control over their outcomes rather than facing the uncertainty of a trial. Because plea bargaining often results in a more efficient legal process, it plays an essential role in the functioning of the criminal justice system.