True or False: when a plea bargain is agreed upon by the attorneys, the judge must uphold it.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. It depends on the judge
• D. Only with consent of both parties

Answer: (B)

The key idea is the judge’s role in plea negotiations. A plea bargain is an agreement between the prosecutor and the defense, but the judge does not automatically “uphold” it simply because both sides agreed. The judge must review the proposed deal to ensure the plea is voluntary, informed, and legally appropriate. The judge has discretion to accept the plea, reject it, or require changes before accepting. Only once the judge approves does the agreement become binding and the case proceed to sentencing under those terms. This is why the statement is false: judicial approval is required, and the judge may modify or reject the agreement if it doesn’t meet legal and constitutional standards.