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

"Sentences are so severe that plea bargaining is in both sides' interests," Mr Imnadze explains.

From BBC • Nov. 2, 2025

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

From Barron's • Oct. 15, 2025

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 • Jan. 21, 2025

Lawyers for some defendants who plead not guilty may engage in plea bargaining, where they negotiate a guilty plea with prosecutors to avoid a trial.

From Reuters • Apr. 3, 2023

Otherwise, plea bargaining would never work. tight ship.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner