The discussion notes that supporters regarded Proposition 8 as the Victims' Bill of Rights. However, rather than helping victims, Proposition 8 simply accelerated the guilty plea process, preventing both victims and defendants from understanding the reasons for convictions and sentences. Punishment did not become more severe, but dispositions became so speedy that a significant proportion of defendants charged with serious felonies were convicted within a few days and sentenced within a few weeks of arraignment. Criminal justice professionals, including judges, defense attorneys, and prosecutors, accepted the changes and quickly adapted to new "normal procedures," although opportunities to scrutinize evidence in each case decreased. Placing Proposition 8 in the context of earlier efforts to reform plea bargaining, the analysis considers the meaning of due process in the criminal courts and suggests changes that would open the criminal justice system to more public observation and explanation. Figures, tables, chapter reference notes, and index (Publisher summary modified)