Sentencing

Mandatory minimum sentences

A mandatory sentence is a decision setting made by the court where judicial discretion is controlled by law. Persons guilty of some crimes should be punished with at least minimum number of years in prison. Mandatory sentencing is believed to reduce crime rate and is fair to all criminals hence ensuring uniformity in sentencing. This sentencing has been effective since potential criminals and repeat offenders try to avoid crime since they can be sure of their sentence if found guilty of breaking the law.

Sentencing guidelines

Sentencing guidelines are instructions that form a uniform sentencing policy for persons and organizations convicted of serious crimes and felonies. The main objective of sentencing guidelines is to reduce sentencing disparities that have been indicated to be prevalent in the existing sentencing system. The effect of the guidelines is that it enables determined sentencing limits during the time when the...
[ View Full Essay]