plea bargain

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Word: Plea Bargain

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A plea bargain is an agreement in a legal case where a person accused of a crime (the defendant) agrees to plead guilty to a less serious charge. In return, the prosecutor (the lawyer representing the government) agrees to drop a more serious charge against the defendant. This process helps make the court system more efficient by reducing the number of cases that go to trial.

Usage Instructions:

You can use "plea bargain" when discussing legal matters, especially in the context of criminal law. It is often used in news articles, legal discussions, and classroom settings when learning about the justice system.

Example:

• "After months of negotiations, the defendant accepted a plea bargain, agreeing to plead guilty to a misdemeanor in exchange for the felony charges being dropped."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced discussions, you might consider the implications of plea bargains, such as their impact on justice, the rights of defendants, or the ethical considerations for lawyers. For example: - "Critics argue that plea bargains can pressure innocent people to plead guilty to crimes they did not commit."

Word Variants:

• Plea Bargaining (noun): The process of negotiating a plea bargain.
• Plea (noun): A formal statement made by a defendant in court, usually concerning their guilt or innocence (e.g., "not guilty," "guilty").

Different Meanings:

While "plea bargain" specifically refers to a legal agreement, the word "plea" on its own can also mean a request or appeal for something urgent. For example: - "She made a heartfelt plea for help during the meeting."

Synonyms:

• Plea agreement: Another term for plea bargain, often used interchangeably.
• Negotiated plea: A term that emphasizes the negotiation aspect of the deal.

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Cut a deal": Informal expression meaning to agree on a deal, similar to making a plea bargain.
• "Take a plea": To accept a plea deal; often used in informal contexts.

Summary:

A plea bargain is a legal agreement that benefits both the defendant and the prosecutor by resolving a case without going to a full trial.

Academic

Noun

1. (criminal law) a negotiation in which the defendant agrees to enter a plea of guilty to a lesser charge and the prosecutor agrees to drop a more serious charge
   • his admission was part of a plea bargain with the prosecutor
   • plea bargaining helps to stop the courts becoming congested

Synonyms

• plea bargaining