What is the legal mechanism that allows for a negotiated resolution before trial called?

The legal mechanism that allows for a negotiated resolution before trial is known as a plea bargain. This process primarily involves the defendant agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser charge or to the original charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence or the dismissal of other charges. Plea bargaining is significant as it helps to reduce the court's caseload and facilitates a resolution without the need for a full trial, benefiting both the defendant and the prosecution.

While bail, probation, and restitution play important roles in the criminal justice system, they do not serve the same purpose as a plea bargain. Bail refers to the temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial, often involving financial conditions. Probation is a court-ordered period of correctional supervision in the community, often instead of incarceration. Restitution involves compensating the victims for their losses and is usually ordered post-conviction, rather than as part of the pre-trial negotiation process.