Plea bargaining is a common practice in every criminal court in the United States. One of the strangest concepts is that the prosecutor enters into an agreement with the defense counsel for the accused. In exchange for a guilty plea, the defendant will receive a fixed punishment that both parties agree on. However, judges often hand down sentences that go against the plea bargain if they disagree with the severity of the sentence (or in their opinion, lack thereof). Typically, the parties inform the judge of the plea bargain prior to the judge imposing the sentence.

• What are the major reasons for plea bargaining? Explain.
  • Do you believe that these are all valid reasons? Why or why not? Explain in detail.
• Is plea bargaining a fair concept to all concerned? Why or why not? Explain.
• How do you think plea bargaining conflicts with mandatory sentences? Explain.
• What do you think are the most significant problems regarding plea bargaining? Explain.