Britannica
Sources used in this answer
When did plea bargains first become common in Boston courts?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
Plea bargaining
A scene of the trials in Salem Village, Massachusetts Bay Colony, hand-colored engraving.
Plea bargains began to become common in Boston courts as early as 1832. During this time, individuals charged with violating public ordinances could expect to receive less-severe sentences if they chose to plead guilty. By 1850, this practice had expanded into felony courts, where it became routine for defendants to enter guilty pleas in exchange for the dismissal of certain charges or other agreements negotiated with the prosecutor. These early Boston bargains were typically utilized for victimless offenses, which allowed prosecutors to reach agreements without needing to account for the concerns of victims.1