What is "plea bargaining" in the context of the CCP?

Plea bargaining refers specifically to the negotiation process in which a defendant agrees to plead guilty to a charge in exchange for concessions from the prosecution. This may involve a lighter sentence, reduction of charges, or other favorable outcomes that can significantly alter the legal consequences the defendant faces. The purpose of plea bargaining is to allow for a more efficient resolution of cases, thereby reducing the burden on the court system and expediting the legal process.

In this context, the focus is on the agreement between the defendant and the prosecution, highlighting how this negotiation can lead to a guilty plea that benefits both parties—allowing the defendant to potentially receive a lesser sentence while saving the state the resources required for a trial.