Which of the following is a goal of plea bargaining?

The correct answer focuses on the primary objective of plea bargaining, which is to resolve a case in a manner that benefits both parties involved—the prosecution and the defense. In this context, a plea bargain allows defendants to plead guilty to lesser charges or receive more lenient sentences, while the prosecution benefits from efficiently concluding a case without the time and expense of a full trial. This mutual benefit speeds up the judicial process and provides an opportunity for both sides to reach a resolution that may not be attainable through a lengthy trial.

Other options do not align with the main goal of plea bargaining. For instance, expediting the trial process, while a potential incidental benefit, is not the goal of plea bargaining itself; rather, it emphasizes the efficiency of the proceedings. Preventing new evidence from being introduced is more closely related to trial procedures and does not reflect the aimed outcomes of plea negotiations. Lastly, aiming for the maximum punishment goes against the essence of a plea bargain, which typically involves negotiating for reduced consequences rather than seeking to impose the harshest penalties possible.