Final answer:
Michelle's lawyer is engaging in a plea bargain by encouraging her to admit to the lesser charge of manslaughter, instead of going to trial for second-degree murder. The correct option is c.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Michelle's lawyer encourages her to admit to the lesser charge of manslaughter, this is known as a plea bargain.
A plea bargain is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecutor where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge or to fewer charges, with the expectation of receiving a more lenient punishment than what might result from a trial. This legal strategy is employed for various reasons, including the strength of evidence against the accused, the desire to avoid a lengthy trial, or to secure testimony against others in larger criminal cases.
Hence, Option c is correct.