“ In the United States, plea bargaining was practiced as early as the mid19th century, and today more than 90% of convictions at the state and federal level result from guilty pleas” (Turner, 2017). Created to reduce the strain on the overexerted court system, plea bargains were created. Thus this allowed prosecutors and judges to handle more serious cases. “Plea bargains are agreements between defendants and prosecutors in which defendants agree to plead guilty to some or all of the charges against them in exchange for concessions from the prosecutors” (Cornell Law School,1992).
Today plea bargaining is a controversial issue in the United States court system for many years now. Many perceive the plea bargain as allowing the defendant a choice in negotiating their freedom. “Some critics argue that a system of negotiated justice undermines the deterrent effect of punishment and can be used by influential defendants to evade legal sanctions” (Smith, 1987). Others argue that plea bargains for individuals with prior convictions are able to bargain a less harsh sentence than deserved. This process allows involved parties to bargain a reasonable punishment without going through a trail which may produce a harsher sentence if convicted. Plea bargaining has its pros and cons just as any other law.…show more content… Plea bargains allow the defendant to save money that may be associated with a lengthy trial. However, there can be benefits for the victim as well when the accused utilizes the plea bargain. Although many victims look for closure and justice within the criminal justice system, many victims would rather not relive the trauma caused by the defendant. The plea bargain can charge the accused without the victim enduring long trials and testifying which can be