2007-12-26 12:56:24 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Here again NOT a homework thing..enjoy your points you didn't earn them!
2007-12-26 13:06:35 · update #1
Plea bargaining is beneficial for several reasons. One, it reduces the backlog of criminal cases. If plea deals were not struck, the justice system would grind to a halt (or at least a very slow crawl) because of the large number of cases pending at any one time. Two, plea bargaining gives some defendants a second chance to get themselves back on the right path. A first time offender may be offered a deal to plead to a misdemeanor saving him a felony conviction which could damage his chances for a good job, admission into college, etc. If he learns from his mistake, he benefits from a plea deal. Third, plea deals save taxpayer time and money. Plea bargains make a costly and time-consuming trial unnecessary. Plea bargains offer benefits to both sides. That is why the majority of criminal cases in the United States are resolved by pleas.
2007-12-26 13:04:00 · answer #1 · answered by floridaladylaw 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is.
It allows both parties to close a case knowing up front what they're getting. Otherwise, it's a crapshoot.
As the old saying goes - "When you go to trial, you put your fate in the hands of 12 people who aren't even smart enough to get out of jury duty"
You may be innocent, but the DA may have enough circumstantial evidence that you fear you might be convicted anyway, so you take a plea bargain. You may be guilty, but the DA may worry that there may be some confusion, and that you might get off, so he offers one.
Also, if most criminal cases DIDN'T plea out, we as a society would need a LOT more DA's, PD's and Judges - and people would be getting called to Jury duty every month.
Richard
2007-12-26 13:00:50 · answer #2 · answered by rickinnocal 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
it saves tax payers' money in the long run, and court time. It gives the defendant an incentive to accept the charges in exchange for having the DA drop the charge on other charges. If the defendant accepts the offer, he gets the benefit of less jail time, or a fine and probation. Less jail time means less tax payer's money spent to incarcerate him.
If he pleads innocent, the court must now ad to their long list of cases pending, the DA must prepare his argument, an attorney must be appointed to represent the accused (at tax payer's expense), and witnesses may have to be placed on protective custody, which is more tax payer's money spent on the case.
2007-12-26 13:08:23 · answer #3 · answered by Corporate America !! 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's both good and bad. Good because it can save money in litigation...bad guy goes to jail.
Bad because it can make the bad guys punishment less than it really should be. But, more importantly, it can help convict an innocent person. And that happens, a lot.
2007-12-26 13:07:48 · answer #4 · answered by murigenii 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep, avoiding your homework assignment.
2007-12-26 13:01:52 · answer #5 · answered by Alysen C 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
it saves tax payers money
2007-12-26 13:00:49 · answer #6 · answered by Old Guard 33 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋