Criminal Justice plea bargaining
Mini-Papers are single page reflections on a question or exercise. The paper is an opportunity for the student to demonstrate their comprehension of the course material and to apply it to the situation presented. The paper is also an opportunity for the student to demonstrate composition skills. Feedback will be provided for both content and composition. The instructor will create three (3) mini-paper topics/questions Each one will be scheduled to be available to students at the beginning of the week corresponding with the mini-paper “Due Date” in the Course Schedule. A designated Mini-Paper rubric will be used to grade and provide feedback on these one-page assignments. Although mini-papers are NOT research assignments per se, it may be appropriate to require one or more papers include at least one outside source. Instructors may choose any course-relevant topic they wish, including any current event germane to the course.
Below is the topic of your second mini-paper. Remember, this is a one-page report with the ONLY exception being a reference page if you use references.
Mini-paper Topic:
In Chapter 4, the issue of plea bargaining is discussed. Some argue that plea bargaining is necessary to assist the courts in flushing cases out of a crowded system and clearing a court backlog or docket. Others argue that plea bargaining “let’s criminals off easy” and does not give offenders the punishment they deserve. Still others argue that plea bargaining undermines due process leaving offenders with little choice other than take their chances with a jury. Identify one advantage and one disadvantage of plea bargaining in the court system. Briefly provide your view on whether plea bargaining should be abolished? or kept? Identify an alternative to plea bargaining that you feel could be attempted?