plea bargaining

American  

noun

1. an agreement between a prosecutor and a defendant whereby the defendant is allowed to plead guilty to a lesser charge rather than risk conviction for a graver crime in order to avoid a protracted trial or to win the defendant's cooperation as a witness.

---

plea bargaining British  

noun

1. law an agreement between the prosecution and defence, sometimes including the judge, in which the accused agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge in return for more serious charges being dropped

---

Etymology

Origin of plea bargaining

An Americanism dating back to 1960–65

Example Sentences

The case has drawn attention to Georgia's strict approach to drug-related offences and its extensive use of "plea bargaining" to resolve criminal cases.

From BBC

Under Italian law, plea bargaining does not involve a formal admission of guilt.

From Barron's

"I have further determined that CD has, in effect, conducted what would be characterised as plea bargaining with AB, after AB had received the Notice of Charge" said the chair.

From BBC

Collins declined to comment on Dempsey’s case, but said the pardon process — after years of litigation, plea bargaining and trials — has been “surreal” for the defendants and their attorneys alike.

From Los Angeles Times

Most criminal cases in the U.S. are resolved through plea bargaining, especially for defendants who cannot afford bail.

From Seattle Times