Browsing by Author "Esther Awor"

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    Plea Bargain or Free Bargain, the Importance of Involving Victims and Community Leaders as Part of the Plea Bargain Process
    (Uganda Christian University, 2025-05-15) Esther Awor
    This dissertation presents the results of a research study on the effectiveness of the Ugandan plea bargain progress, which was initiated by a student from Pepperdine University in 2016. The study aims to analyze the criminal justice system in Uganda as regards involving victims and community leaders in the plea bargain process. To achieve this, the study used a methodology that incorporated a historical overview of the establishment of the plea bargain in Uganda, an interaction with the Pepperdine team in Uganda and personal observation. The data collected provides insights into how victims and community leaders are usually outliers during the plea bargain process. Most accused persons view plea bargain as free bargain which then becomes a challenge when it comes to fulfilling justice. The study found that most victims and community are neglected when it comes to negotiating the terms of the plea agreement of the accused, which then increases crime rates and mob justice in communities as crowds will not see justice being served. The courts in Uganda have tried to implement plea bargain however, it does not go without stating that more work needs to be put in place for not only justice to be done but seen to be done as well. The study concludes that there is a need to match the rhetoric of a right to a fair and speedy hearing and justice to the victims and the community as a whole.