1. What is plea bargaining? An arrangement between prosecutor and defendant whereby the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence or an agreement to drop other charges. The court must approve plea bargaining so it is in the interest of justice. The final matter cannot be appealed. A disadvantage is that the decision could be worse than expected, and then cannot be appealed. 2) Is plea bargaining in the interests of justice? Investigate cases of R v Turner 1970, R v Goodyear 2005.
1) What is the CPS? Investigate their role, powers and examples of their work in the criminal process. The crown prosecution service are an independent body, which are a government agency. Which is made up of lawyers who are responsible for examining evidence, deciding whether to take criminal proceedings thought the court prosecution stage, prepare cases for court and conduction prosecutions.
The CPS generally take control of the cases as soon as the police have finished collecting evidence and conducting the investigation.
5 main roles - Advise - the police on the charge that should be brought against the suspect, using the CPS charging standards (guidelines to ensure greater consistency when charging) Review - cases Prepare - cases for court Present - cases in court, as CPS lawyers have rights of audience Decide - whether to bring a prosecution against the suspect. (main role)