Factors That Affect Plea Bargaining In Texas

Abstract

This study tests the relationship between factors in the criminal justice system and rates of plea bargaining. Four concepts are used in the analysis--case characteristics, work group characteristics, system capacity, and demographic characteristics. The sample for the study is drawn from county level data on district court dispositions for all counties in Texas. In order to gain a full understanding of criminal case disposition, two methods for measuring plea bargaining are taken into consideration as well as a total nontrial rate. A Pearson's r correlation is used to test the relationships. None of the hypothesized relationships presented in this study are supported. Reasons for the negligible results may be inaccurate measures and a need to consider more complex theories.