Which practice involves pleading guilty in exchange for a more favorable sentence or dismissal of certain charges?

• A. Plea Bargaining
• B. Motion to Suppress
• C. Voir Dire
• D. Direct Examination

Answer: (A)

Plea bargaining is the practice of pleading guilty in exchange for a more favorable sentence or dismissal of certain charges. In this process, the defendant and prosecutor negotiate a plea agreement—often reducing charges, recommending a lighter sentence, or dismissing some charges—in exchange for the defendant’s guilty plea. The judge must review and approve the agreement to ensure the plea is voluntary and informed. This mechanism helps resolve cases efficiently and can provide incentives for cooperation. The other terms involve different stages: a motion to suppress challenges the admissibility of evidence; voir dire is the jury selection process; direct examination is the initial questioning of a witness by the party who called them.