Plea Agreements have become a controversial legal arrangement. Some argue that without plea bargains, the criminal justice system would become overly saturated and unmanageable. Reformers, on the other hand, argue that plea bargains have been too heavily relied upon by prosecutors, and deny U.S. citizens (defendants) a right to due process. Students, on this issue, are required to research and comprehensively present arguments including: the value, necessity, flaw and long-term impact (negative and positive) of plea bargains.

Assignment Content

1. Provide a legal definition of plea agreement
2. Describe the historical background of plea agreements (when did they become prevalent)
3. Describe the relationship between the 6th amendment, Gideon v.Wainwright (1962); and plea agreements.
4. Provide current statistics (2011-present) on plea agreements in the U.S. (federal, state or local)
5. Explain at least 2 arguments from professionals, scholars, etc. for the continued use of plea agreements
6. Explain at least 2 arguments from professionals, scholars, etc. for the reform of plea agreements
7. Provide your opinion of plea agreements based on the lessons you have learned surrounding them.

Assignment Structure

• Headings are the general assignment content areas as listed above
• Headings should be in bold and underlined
• MLA format
• Use no less than 3 sources for your research

Assignment Objectives

1. Demonstrate thorough knowledge of "Plea Agreements" as they are used in the U.S.
2. Compare and contrast arguments pertaining to "plea agreements."
3. Conduct relative and substantive research
4. Correct use of MLA format