What defines a plea bargain in legal terms?

A plea bargain is specifically defined as an agreement in which a defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence or the dismissal of other charges. This legal practice is designed to expedite the judicial process and reduce the burden on courts, allowing for quicker resolutions to cases. By opting for a plea bargain, defendants may benefit from reduced penalties, while the prosecution secures a conviction without the need for a lengthy trial.

The correct choice effectively captures this core principle. It emphasizes the exchange of a guilty plea for a more lenient sentence, illustrating the negotiation aspect of the plea bargaining process.