The Benefits and Drawbacks of Plea Bargains

The outcome of 90 percent of criminal cases in the US is determined by plea bargains. Clips from the documentary Better This World create the backdrop for an investigation of the benefits and drawbacks of the plea bargaining process. After viewing the clips, pairs generate and share a list of what they consider the benefits and drawbacks of the process for prosecutors, defendants, victims, and society. Individuals then craft a persuasive paragraph that presents their stance on the role they think plea bargains should play in the justice system. Included in the packet are extensions, adaptations, and a list of additional resources.