Plea-bargains, also known as plea agreements, are a common term used in the legal system to refer to a deal between the prosecutor and the defense, wherein the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence. Some common synonyms for plea-bargains include plea deals, plea negotiations, plea discussions, or plea arrangements. The use of these terms may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific legal case at hand. While plea-bargaining can be a useful tool in resolving cases more efficiently and effectively, it has also been criticized for potentially reducing the transparency and fairness of the justice system.