Must a judge approve all plea deals?

In the context of the legal process, a judge must indeed approve all plea deals before they can become legally binding. This requirement serves multiple purposes: it helps ensure that the plea agreement is entered into voluntarily and with an understanding of the consequences, and it protects the integrity of the judicial system. Judges assess whether the plea is in the interest of justice, monitor for any potential coercion or misunderstanding, and confirm that the defendant is competent to make such a significant decision.

Plea deals involve a negotiation between the prosecution and the defense, and while the attorneys may reach a tentative agreement, it is only when a judge reviews and approves the deal that it has legal effect. This oversight is a critical safeguard in the justice system to uphold due process and ensure fairness for the defendant.