A plea is simply an answer made by someone in a civil or criminal case under common Law. The person may plead guilty, not guilty, no contest or afford plea in response to a criminal charge (professional misconduct in the case of a doctor).

Under the common Law a plea of guilty by the defendant waives trial of the charge, offences and the defendants may be sentenced immediately.

Pleading guilty may invite less punishment. It also avoids the mental harassment of a long trial.