The Barbados Government has moved to introduce Plea Bargaining Legislation, to increase the speed at which criminal cases move through the justice system.
Attorney General Dale Marshall says the time it takes for matters to go from arrest, through trial to conviction or acquittal has been a challenge.
However, under the Criminal Justice (Plea Negotiations and Agreements) Act, 2024, a person charged with an offence could negotiate a lesser charge, accompanied by a guilty plea.
Mr. Marshall says it cuts down on the need for expensive trials.
Mr. Marshall has also addressed concerns that plea bargaining could rob the victim of their day in court, noting they will be allowed to submit a victim impact statement.
The Attorney General says people behind bars who have information on another crime could also negotiate a plea bargain in exchange for a reduced sentence.
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