NCJ Number
159037
Date Published
1993
Length
22 pages
Annotation
This report discusses the current trend in the United Kingdom for judges to encourage plea bargaining arrangements in an effort to reduce criminal justice system costs related to prosecutions.
Abstract
The first section of the report discusses the impact that the lack of incentive to plead guilty has had in terms of the "cracked trial" syndrome and the tendency for guilty defendants to opt for a jury trial. The question is raised whether plea bargaining would contribute to greater courtroom efficiency. The second section examines the pressures inherent in plea bargaining practices by looking at the implications of introducing formalized plea bargaining into the British criminal justice system. There is a need to maintain a balance between acceptable inducement and improper pressure to plead guilty. 23 references