The mischief of plea bargaining and sentencing rewards. Arguments for and against a reduction in sentence for a guilty plea

Résumé ou Introduction

This essay will begin by critically examining the arguments both for and against the discount. In first considering the arguments in favour of the reduction it shall clearly set out the reasons in support of this and shall include an examination into the commentary from a range of different theorists, some of which are against the reduction and who criticise these arguments in favour. This critic will acknowledge these viewpoints and shall respond with reasoning to suggest that the arguments against the discount cannot stand. Thereafter it shall go on to evaluate the arguments not in favour of the discount and this will include a counter response, first in acknowledging the points raised, before then going on to examine what aspect of these arguments are taken issue with.

After critically examining and evaluating the arguments for and against the discount the essay shall then go on to consider the potential solutions to dealing with a number of concerns the reduction presents and whether they are likely to work. The evaluation of these solutions shall then go on to consider the recommendation and will involve a presentation of discussion around the reforms that are intended to rectify the concerns.

In English law a sentencing discount is awarded to the accused if they plead guilty to the crime they are charged with. The current award of around one third distinguishes those who admit to being in the wrong from those who continually deny their flaws.