React to the answer below from questions related to NPR news report: Plea Bargaining

• Justice Kennedy comments that plea bargaining isthe criminal justice system.Do you agree?Should it be the criminal justice system?What challenges arise from relying so heavily on plea bargaining.
• EXPLAIN WHY YOU DISAGREE WITH THIS ANSWER. - YOUR OWN WORDS AND CITE YOUR SOURCES

"I agree with Justice Kennedy's assertion that plea bargaining has become intrinsic to the criminal justice system. In practice, plea bargaining accounts for the resolution of many criminal cases, underscoring its pivotal role in the administration of justice. While plea bargaining offers certain benefits, such as expedited case disposition and reduced trial costs, its dominance raises important questions about the fairness and integrity of the criminal justice process. I do not think that plea bargaining should become the cornerstone of the criminal justice system. On one hand, plea bargaining facilitates the efficient allocation of judicial resources and enables prosecutors to secure convictions in cases where evidence may be weak, or witnesses are reluctant to testify. On the other hand, the prevalence of plea bargaining can undermine due process rights, as defendants may feel pressured to plead guilty to avoid the uncertainty and potential harshness of trial outcomes. Reliance on plea bargaining poses significant challenges to transparency and accountability in the criminal justice system. Plea negotiations often occur behind closed doors, away from public scrutiny, raising concerns about the potential for coercion, unequal bargaining power, and disparate outcomes based on factors such as race, socioeconomic status, and legal representation. While plea bargaining serves as a pragmatic mechanism for case resolution, its pervasive influence raises fundamental questions about the values and principles underpinning the criminal justice system. Efforts to address the challenges associated with plea bargaining should focus on promoting transparency, safeguarding defendants' rights, and enhancing accountability to ensure that justice is served equitably and impartially.'