How does the Romanian plea bargaining system work?

The Romanian plea bargaining system, introduced in 2009, allows defendants to negotiate with the prosecutors and potentially receive a reduced sentence in exchange for admitting guilt. In this system, known as "collaborative justice," defendants have the right to initiate plea bargaining discussions during the pre-trial phase. If both parties agree on the terms, a plea agreement is reached, and the case may proceed directly to sentencing or result in a more expedited trial. Plea bargains can involve the reduction of charges, a lesser punishment, or other arrangements. This system aims to alleviate the workload of the courts, streamline the judicial process, and encourage defendants to cooperate with the authorities. However, concerns about potential abuse of power and imbalances in negotiating positions have also been raised.

This mind map was published on 4 October 2023 and has been viewed 55 times.