Final answer:
Most criminal cases in the United States are resolved through plea bargains, where defendants plead guilty to lesser charges in exchange for more lenient punishment. This method saves resources for the court system and can offer defendants reduced sentences. The correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
Most criminal cases that reach the courts in the United States are resolved through plea bargains.
This is the process where a defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge, thereby avoiding the potential of a harsher sentence that could result from being found guilty of a more serious crime after a trial.
In this agreement, the defendant receives a more lenient punishment and in exchange, waives certain trial rights, including the right to an appeal after a conviction.
During the plea bargaining process, defendants and prosecutors come to an agreement which can be beneficial for both parties.
For the prosecution, it ensures a conviction and saves the time and resources that would be required for a full trial. For the defendant, it may result in a reduced sentence or lesser charges. The correct option is A.