[superkuh]

When you are being attacked by a government prosecutor these "up to"s matter very, very much. It allows them to force the acceptance of inappropriate settlements by waving the (very real) possibility of these "up to"s in your face if you try to actually have your case heard in a court.

[creativenolo]

From your language, it’s clear you’re not talking from the perspective of the UK’s different legal systems.

They may matter like you say in other systems, but they are not the same in all systems.

[superkuh]

True. But in this case many UK localities are adopting these legal practices. It's new, but rising. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

https://www.theguardian.com/law/2022/oct/06/rise-of-plea-bar...

"Rise of plea-bargaining coerces young defendants into guilty pleas, says report. US-style negotiations for reduced sentences in England and Wales raises fears of false confessions and lack of informed consent"