Despite thousands of arrests and criminal charges being filed yearly, very few result in trials. Most of the cases get settled out of court, sometimes as people plead guilty or because prosecutors drop charges. Plea bargaining is the other reason for cases not going to trial. Defendants might agree to plead guilty to lesser charges in exchange for reduced sentences. Whereas plea bargaining frees up time for the courts, both liberal and conservative critics have complained regarding this process as it is either too harsh or not harsh adequate.

In what conditions do you believe plea bargaining is most suitable? When do you oppose this practice? Be as specific as possible in answering these problems and be sure to describe why you think the way you do.