Most criminal convictions in America come from plea bargains, in which defendants exchange their right to a trial for less severe prosecution or a shorter jail sentence.

ECONOMIST: Corporate crime

The order, which Potashner says SonicBlue will fight, stems from what is an otherwise routine matter of "discovery, " the process by which two sides in a lawsuit exchange evidence before going to trial.

FORBES: SonicBlue Forced To Spy

As the trial came to a close, the defendants apologised to and exchange handshakes with the Delannes.

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