Plea Bargaining Pros and Cons

Questions and Answers

What is one of the pros of plea bargaining?

Innocent individuals always avoid conviction

Defendants are guaranteed a trial

All defendants receive severe sentences

Administrative efficiency of the courts is greatly improved (correct)

What does plea bargaining allow the prosecution to do?

Devote more time to more serious cases

What benefit does the defendant receive from plea bargaining?

Avoids possible detention and an extended trial

What is a potential risk of plea bargaining?

Encourages defendants to waive their constitutional right to trial Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean that 'plea bargaining raises the danger that an innocent person will be convicted'?

An innocent person might plead guilty to avoid harsher sentences. Signup and view all the answers

What is one consequence of a guilty-plea culture among defense lawyers?

The belief that clients are often dishonest and that getting a 'sentence discount' is the best approach. Signup and view all the answers

Plea bargaining guarantees that all defendants will avoid any form of punishment.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is a concern regarding prosecutors and plea bargaining?

Prosecutors may induce or compel defendants to engage in plea bargaining Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable case related to the dangers of plea bargaining?

Jesse Timmendequas and the case of Megan Kanka. Signup and view all the answers

What might lead innocent persons to admit guilt in plea bargaining?

The belief that the system is biased and they have little chance of being acquitted. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Pros of Plea Bargaining

Reduces overall costs associated with criminal prosecutions.
Improves administrative efficiency within the courts, leading to faster case resolution.
Allows prosecutors to focus more on serious and significant criminal cases.
Enables defendants to avoid prolonged detention and trials, often resulting in reduced sentences.
Allocates resources effectively towards cases that require more attention and legal work.

Cons of Plea Bargaining

Encourages some defendants to give up their constitutional right to a trial, which can diminish the justice process.
May lead to lenient sentences for dangerous offenders, exemplified by Jesse Timmendequas’ case, unleashing him to commit further crimes post-sentencing.
Increases the risk that innocent individuals may be convicted if pressured to plead guilty for lighter sentences, fearing harsher penalties during a trial.
Prosecutors may exploit the system, manipulating defendants into plea deals that may not be in their best interest.
Innocent individuals might admit guilt out of belief that the legal system is biased, leading them to distrust a fair trial.
Creates a culture among defense attorneys that favors guilty pleas, assuming most clients are dishonest and that bargaining is the best strategy for client representation.

Description

Explore the advantages and disadvantages of plea bargaining in the criminal justice system. This quiz covers its impact on costs, administrative efficiency, and the rights of defendants. Delve into how plea deals can affect both the accused and the victims of crime.