"Western" is an exaggeration -- rather, the common law justice system. Many European countries, including Sweden, don't have guilty pleas in the American sense

"Western" is an exaggeration -- rather, the common law justice system. Many European countries, including Sweden, don't have guilty pleas in the American sense. In a Swedish trial, the court must find that the suspect is proven guilty. A confession can be treated as evidence, similar to evidence from witnesses, but just like with a witness the court still has to rule on how credible it is. Except for minor crimes (such as speeding tickets), one can not plead guilty to bypass the trial. Also, the prosecutor does not have any discretion about what crimes to charge (there is a duty to charge any crime that can be proven). One major consequence is that there is are no plea bargains.