What is one reason for having plea bargains?

Plea bargains serve as a practical tool within the judicial system, primarily aimed at alleviating overcrowding in courts. With a significant number of criminal cases arising daily, the court system can become overwhelmed, leading to long wait times for trials and extended backlogs of cases. By allowing defendants to plead guilty to lesser charges in exchange for a reduced sentence or other concessions, plea bargains help streamline the legal process. This approach not only expedites case resolutions but also ensures that judicial resources are used more efficiently, providing an opportunity for the courts to focus on more serious cases that require trials.

The other options do not reflect the primary function of plea bargains. Ensuring that all cases go to trial would negate the need for plea deals, public involvement in legal disputes is often minimal regardless of plea arrangements, and plea bargains are generally associated with reduced penalties rather than harsher ones.