Plea Bargaining

Introduction:
A plea bargain is a contact with the state. Generally, a defendant who enters into a plea bargain typically agrees to plead guilty to a lesser crime (receiving a lesser sentence as a result) rather than go to trial for a more serious charge that carries the possibility of a harsher sentence if he/she is found guilty. The defendant may also be offered a reduced sentence in exchange for information about another illegal act or guilty individual. Over 90% of felony cases end in plea bargains.

Assignment:
View the PBS Frontline Episode: The Plea http://www.pbs.org/video/frontline-the-plea/

After watching write a 2 page reflection paper that addresses the pros and cons associated with plea bargaining. Address the potential benefits and drawbacks for 1) prosecutors, 2) defendants, 3) victims, and 4) society. Include relevant constitutional issues and use specific examples from the documentary as support.