22S - Dispute Resolution

True or False. Most criminal cases go to a trial, where a jury decides if the defendant is guilty.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Most criminal cases end with a plea bargain.

True or False. Most civil cases go to a trial, where a jury decides if the defendant is liable.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Most civil cases end with a settlement agreement.

Which of these is NOT a common way for civil cases to end:

• Trial

• Settlement

• Mediation

• Arbitration

Answer explanation

Most cases do NOT go to trial.

Which of these is NOT a common way for civil cases to end:

• Plea deals

• Settlement

• Mediation

• Arbitration

Answer explanation

Plea deals are for criminal cases

True or False. As part of plea agreements, the defendants are allowed plead not guilty to what they have been charged with.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

In plea deals, the defendant pleads guilty - that is why they are called plea agreements.

True or False. As part of plea agreements, the prosecutor can promise to give the defendant a shorter sentence.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The judge decides the sentence - the prosecutor can only recommend a shorter sentence.

True or False. Judges are required to follow the prosecutors’ recommendations about how long the sentence should be, if the recommendations are part of plea bargains.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

The judge decides the sentence - the prosecutor can only recommend a shorter sentence.

True or False. Prosecutors violate the anti-gratuity statute if they promise to drop charges against a defendant who testifies againsta co-defendant.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Courts say that "whoever" does not include prosecuting attorneys who represent the United States.

Which of these is NOT one of the justifications given for finding that a prosecutor does not violate the anti-gratuity statute if they promise to drop charges against a defendant who testifies against their co-defendant:

• "Whoever" does not include prosecutors

• "Whoever" refers to people, not organizations

• Dropping charges is not "something of value."

True or False. It would be illegal for a defendant or the prosecutor to offer witnesses money for testimony that helps their case.

• True

• False