Earlier this year, there was a public outcry surrounding the Crown's decision to charge Moko Rangitoheriri's killers with manslaughter, instead of murder. The decision to charge them with manslaughter was the result of a plea deal.

Plea bargaining has historically been used by the defence in criminal court cases, but in recent years it has become increasingly used by the prosecution, arguably in order to:

1. expedite court proceedings; and,
2. ensure a conviction.

But was this really the right case to offer a plea deal? Should plea deals even be allowed at all? EJP's Access team investigates this issue in their symposium paper - view it here!