What is plea bargaining?

Plea bargaining refers to an agreement between a defendant and a prosecutor in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge or to a reduced sentence in exchange for avoiding the possibility of a trial. This process can be beneficial to both parties: the prosecution secures a conviction without the need for a lengthy trial, while the defendant may receive a more lenient sentence or lesser charges than what could potentially result from a trial.

This practice is significant within the criminal justice system as it helps to reduce case backlogs and allows the courts to function more efficiently. By reaching a plea agreement, it saves time and resources for both the legal system and the individuals involved.