An Economics Perspective of Plea Bargaining

Abstract

The present study is an attempt to look at plea bargaining from an economics perspective. At the outset it traces the origin of plea bargaining. The study also provides a brief sketch of the concept as interpreted by various Economists. Alongside it highlights some of the key tools of economics which can provide a better understanding and justification of Plea bargaining as a procedure for efficient and cost effective method of resolving cases. The article concludes by stressing upon the need to resort to plea bargaining, keeping in mind both the costs as well as a tool to act as deterrence.