Ontario Barrister and Solicitor Practice Exam

A plea bargain is a legal agreement in which an accused person agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence or reduced penalties. This practice is often used to expedite legal proceedings by avoiding the time and expense of a trial. In many cases, plea bargains are beneficial to both the prosecution and the defense; the prosecution secures a conviction while the defense can achieve a more favorable outcome for their client than if they were to face the original charges in court.

This process also helps to reduce the court's backlog of cases, allowing for a more efficient judicial system. It's important to note that a plea bargain must be accepted by the court, and the accused must be fully informed of the consequences of their plea. The effectiveness of plea bargaining in the justice system underscores its role as a pragmatic tool in legal practice.

Other options do not accurately represent the function of a plea bargain. For instance, extending a trial does not involve any admission of guilt, and methods for jury selection or processes for appealing court decisions are unrelated to the negotiation of charges or sentences that characterize a plea bargain.