Plea bargaining is a legal process in which a defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence or the dismissal of other charges. This practice helps to reduce the burden on courts by resolving cases more quickly and efficiently. It allows defendants to avoid the uncertainty of a trial and potentially harsher penalties. In many criminal cases, both the prosecution and defense negotiate the terms of the plea deal. If an agreement is reached, the judge must approve it before it becomes official. This process is common in the criminal justice system and can benefit both parties involved.