Disadvantage of Plea-Bargain

There are many disadvantages of the plea-bargaining process.   The main disadvantages lie not with the offender, rather with society. By choosing a plea bargain, an offender has an opportunity to receive a lesser sentence than would result from a trial.   In the article, Plea bargaining- new horizon in criminal Jurisprudence it states, “Some critics maintain that plea- bargaining results in unwarranted leniency for offenders and that it promotes a cynical view of the legal process (Pradeep Pg. 6).” Plea-bargaining in this case is bad because it allows negotiating with the criminals, and seems to reward them as they choose not to accept full responsibility. The rewards usually push their release date out of prison up, and sometimes results in no prison time at all when it is warranted. Because they usually get lesser sentences and charges; this is not good for society. Plea bargaining can be abused, and it is nearly impossible for the public to know whether and when this is happening due to information deficits. Usually the details of a plea bargain are not known until they are publicly announced in the court room. It is questioned by many that if/when an offender gets less time and punishment because they took a plea bargain if they really pay the price for the crime they committed and learn from their mistake.

Reference:

Pradeep, K.P.   Plea bargaining- new horizon in criminal Jurisprudence. Retrieved January 18th, 2009   from website: http://kja.nic.in/article/PLEA%20BARGAINING.pdf