Report No. 142

3.4. Reasoning of proponents.-

A sizable section of public opinion favours the practise. Five reasons are advanced by its support:-

(1) Most people arrested, they say, are guilty any way; why bother with a trial?

(2) Why waste public money?

(3) "Plea-bargaining" is a compromise; both sides give a little and gain a little.

(4) Trials consume time and costs.

(5) It is best (for both sides) to avail it since on the one hand there is always a chance that even if the defendant is guilty and the evidence is adequate there is a chance of a slip up. On the other the defendant saves time and money and earns a concession in the form of a less serious offence or sentence.