Homonym: Plea (Request)
A "plea" is a formal statement made by a defendant in a legal case, indicating their response to a charge. It can be an admission of guilt, a denial of the charges, or a request for leniency. Common types of pleas include "guilty," "not guilty," and "no contest." Each plea has different legal implications and consequences.
In the context of criminal law, a plea can significantly affect the outcome of a case. For instance, a guilty plea may lead to a plea bargain, where the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for a lighter sentence. Conversely, a not guilty plea typically results in a trial to determine the defendant's innocence or guilt.