Course: Introduction
Sentencing in the criminal justice context refers to the process of determining the appropriate punishment for an individual who has been convicted of a crime.
It involves imposing a penalty by a court or other authorized body, such as a parole board or probation office. It can include a wide range of sanctions, including fines, imprisonment, community service, probation, and restitution.
Sentencing is typically guided by laws and guidelines establishing the range of penalties that may be imposed for different crimes. These laws and guidelines often consider the crime’s severity, the offender’s prior criminal history, and other relevant factors, such as the offender’s age, mental health, and remorse.
Sentencing also varies depending on the jurisdiction. Some states or countries have determinate sentencing, meaning that the judge must impose a fixed sentence for a particular crime. In contrast, other jurisdictions have indeterminate sentencing, which means that the judge has the discretion to impose a sentence within a range established by law.
The goal of sentencing is to achieve a balance between protecting the public and punishing the offender while also providing the offender with an opportunity for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
[ Glossary ]