What is meant by "plea bargain" in criminal procedure?

A plea bargain refers to an arrangement between the prosecution and the defendant, where the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge, or to one of multiple charges, in exchange for certain concessions from the prosecutor. This often includes recommendations for a more lenient sentence or the dismissal of other charges. Plea bargains serve several purposes in the criminal justice system, such as reducing court congestion, saving judicial resources, and providing a measure of predictability in outcomes for both parties involved.

The essence of a plea bargain is in its negotiation aspect, often seen as a compromise that benefits both the prosecution—by ensuring a conviction and expediting the legal process—and the defendant—by potentially receiving a lighter punishment compared to facing a trial for more serious charges.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately convey the concept of a plea bargain. For instance, dropping all charges would mean a complete dismissal, which is not necessarily tied to a plea agreement. A judicial statement that halts proceedings refers to a procedural move in a court and does not involve negotiations between the prosecution and defense. Lastly, negotiating jury selection criteria relates to trial processes but has no connection to the plea bargaining practice.