Reported Experiences with Plea Bargaining: A Theoretical Analysis of the Legal Standard

Authors

Krystia Reed, University of Texas at El Paso
Allison Franz, Cornell University
Vincent Calderon, Cornell University
Alisha Meschkow, Cornell University
Valerie F. Reyna, Cornell University

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Although the majority of criminal cases in the United States are settled with plea bargains, very little empirical evidence exists to explain how defendants make life-altering plea bargain decisions. This Article first discusses the psychologicalfactors involved in plea bargaining decisions. Next, this Article empirically examines the factors involved in plea decisions of real-life defendants within the legal and psychological contexts. Finally, this Article highlights the psychological issues that need to be further examined in pleabargaining literature.

Recommended Citation

Krystia Reed et al., Reported Experiences with Plea Bargaining: A Theoretical Analysis of the Legal Standard, 124 W. Va. L. Rev. 421 (2022).