Plea Negotiation

/ˈpliːə nɪˌɡoʊʃiˈeɪʃən/

Definitions

  1. (n.) A process in criminal law where the defendant and prosecutor discuss and agree upon a plea to avoid trial or reduce charges.
    The defense attorney engaged in plea negotiation to secure a lesser sentence for the client.
  2. (n.) The broader practice of resolving criminal cases through mutual concession rather than litigation.
    Plea negotiation helps alleviate court congestion by resolving cases efficiently.

Forms

  • plea negotiation
  • plea negotiations

Commentary

Plea negotiation is a strategic tool in criminal justice, balancing efficiency and defendants’ rights; clarity in agreement terms is crucial to avoid post-agreement disputes.

This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.

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