1. Plea agreements are often viewed as a necessary evil in a system that is ill-equipped to take every case to trial. Just what is a "plea agreement?" What role does the judge play in the bargaining process? Who are the players in the process? How is it administered between the players that are necessary to allow the agreement to happen? Take a position on why or why not you agree that plea bargaining should be used to conclude a case? (Note: plea bargaining is an important component in the criminal justice system and necessary in determining the appropriate manner for justice.....so be thorough).

2. Grand juries take place after the judge has ruled in a preliminary hearing that a case will proceed. Most states do not have a grand jury hearing because the Supreme Court has not mandated that there be one. Explain what happens at the "grand jury hearing," in other words, just what do the jurors do concerning the defendant? What is the role of the prosecutor at the hearings? What happens after the jury makes its decision? Since it's not required, do you support states having these type hearings. Why or why not?

3. There are both federal and state courts. Each has its own manner in which judges acquire these positions. Explain how "federal judges" acquire their positions? Explain how "state judges" acquire their positions? Which of the two positions do you support regarding the manner in which judges acquire their jobs? Why did you select the position you did?