Plea bargains

Judge withdrawing approval

People v. Pixley [1]

“While plea bargaining offers an intelligent and economically necessary solution to the practical problems which arise in the administration of the criminal justice system, plea bargains themselves should not offend the fundamental notions of justice and criminal liability and accountability which underlie that system. Moreover, the practical benefits of plea bargaining should never outweigh the public's interest in the vigorous prosecution of the accused, the imposition of appropriate punishment, and the protection of victims of crimes.” People v. Cardoza (1984) 161 Cal.App.3d 40, 43: