Negotiating the Confession

Abstract

This article examines the “confession-based negotiation system,” whereby the public prosecutor negotiates with the accused for the latter to admit guilt in exchange for certain benefits, such as the dismissal of some charges or the mitigation of the penalty. The resulting agreement is then submitted to the judge for approval, and the ordinary procedures of the proceedings are dispensed with. This mechanism leads to an expeditious resolution of cases, thereby saving time, effort, and costs.