NCJ Number
37645
Journal
Criminal Justice Quarterly Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: (SPRING-SUMMER 1976) Pages: 74-82
Date Published
1976
Length
9 pages
Annotation
THIS ARTICLE EXAMINES THE EFFECT OF A POLICY CHANGE PASSED BY THE NEW JERSEY SUPREME COURT WHICH PROHIBITED PLEA BARGAINING IN THE MUNICIPAL COURTS FOR ALL NONINDICTABLE OFFENSES, AFTER ONE YEAR IN OPERATION.
Abstract
THE BACKGROUND WHICH LED TO THE DECISION TO ELIMINATE PLEA NEGOTIATIONS IN MUNICIPAL COURTS IS EXPLAINED. A CRITIQUE OF THE RATIONALE USED BY THE STATE SUPREME COURT AND THE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE OF THE COURTS TO JUSTIFY THE CHANGE IN PROSECUTORIAL POLICY IS PRESENTED. IT IS CONCLUDED THAT, IF THE PRACTICE OF PLEA BARGAINING IS TO BE PROHIBITED IN THE MUNICIPAL COURTS, THEN AN INJECTION OF HEAVY STATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE MUST BE PROVIDED TO OFFSET THE INEVITABLE INCREASE IN COURT COSTS.