A plea bargain (or plea agreement) is a negotiated resolution where an accused person agrees to plead guilty, typically to reduced charges or with sentencing recommendations, in exchange for avoiding the uncertainty and expense of trial. Plea bargains serve the justice system by resolving cases efficiently while providing defendants predictable outcomes. Critics argue plea bargaining may pressure innocent people to plead guilty or result in insufficient consequences for serious offences. In Canada, judges must approve plea arrangements and aren't bound by joint sentencing recommendations. Plea bargaining is common in criminal proceedings and affects how cases are resolved throughout the justice system.