What Is Plea Bargaining? What Are Its Effects on the Operation

question 37

Essay

What is plea bargaining? What are its effects on the operation of the criminal justice system? What impact does it have on the defendant?

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Definitions:

Latent Function

Unintended or unrecognized consequences of an institution, action, or social process that may not have been explicitly acknowledged.

Dysfunctional Function

A paradoxical term often used to describe societal practices or institutions that persist despite having negative effects on the social system.

Contributing Function

A role or activity that plays a part in achieving a larger purpose or result.

Functionalism

A theoretical framework in sociology that views society as a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability.