Although the Supreme Court's rulings on sentencing issues receive far more media attention, most criminal cases in the U.S. today are resolved through plea bargains, a process over which prosecutors have enormous power and discretion. Should some of the power and discretion currently vested in prosecutors be turned over to judges? What discovery should judges require before approving a plea bargain in a case? How will recent changes in sentencing law affect plea bargaining dynamics? More generally, what role should judges play in the plea bargain process to ensure that justice is being served?

Panelists Included:

• Moderator, Cynthia Jones, Professor of Law, American University (Windows Media)
• Judge Lynn S. Adelman, U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin (Windows Media)
• Judge James P. Jones, U.S. District Court for the Western District of Virginia (Windows Media)
• Judge Robert W. Pratt, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa (Windows Media)
• Craig Watkins, District Attorney, Dallas, Texas (Windows Media)

Discussion: (Windows Media)

Questions and Answers: (Windows Media)