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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.

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HopefullyInLawSchool
16:03
@UnderRepresentedTryhard: Yes only for YM applicants tho
RoaldDahl
16:05
dodged the mich r wave what does this mean
HopefullyInLawSchool
16:06
it means you will not be rejected today and may be accepted or WL in the future
Just got my Michigan rejection
BookwormBroker
16:10
same
RoaldDahl
16:10
@HopefullyInLawSchool: what if i already got rejected. does it mean anything
HopefullyInLawSchool
16:12
@RoaldDahl: Likely not however it could mean nothing
RoaldDahl
16:15
So if it means nothing does that mean something?
HopefullyInLawSchool
16:17
Possibly
RoaldDahl
16:26
Cool
RoaldDahl
16:26
thank you!!!! i hope it means something
pinkandblue
16:31
fart
IrishDinosaur
16:36
Mich R gang lesgooo
Did anyone else get that random get to know nova email?
HopefullyInLawSchool
17:21
Ya it was sent to all YM applicants
starfishies
17:37
Anyone get the NDLS email inviting you to apply for something even though they haven’t made a decision on your app yet
17:38
Better yet I got the email and I was rejected last month
starfishies
17:38
Wtf
starfishies
17:39
and the deadline is in like a week what is this
any cardozo movement?
BatmanBeyond
18:01
Sent a LOCI via portal, but I'm wondering if email would have gotten me a swifter response
BatmanBeyond
18:02
This whole hold/wait-list/reserve system is a headache
loci already?
BatmanBeyond
18:09
If the odds are like 1-2% I don't think it matters much by the numbers
12:11
I got the same NDLS email
OrangeThing
12:18
I think the user profiles are broken
19:29
Any word out of Notre Dame?
19:29
Only the invitation to apply for LSE
19:29
Anyone received a decision from NDLS?
19:50
when did u guys apply that just heard from umich? they havent even glanced at my app yet
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