What are some of the benefits and drawbacks of mandatory sentencing?

What will be an ideal response?


Some of the benefits of mandatory sentencing are: Judges’ prejudices cannot play
a role (though prosecutors have discretion), people sentenced to the same punishment.
The drawbacks include: Eliminates judicial discretion. Shifts discretion to the prosecutor.
States are removing them. In Woodson v. N.C., the Supreme Court found that
mandatory death sentences were unconstitutional because the jury couldn’t weigh
aggravating and mitigating factors.

Criminal Justice

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National Prohibition (1919-1933) was:

a. An accident that came into existence because people could not foresee its implications. b. Successful in curbing the drinking habits of the lower class. c. A period that laid the foundations for the organized crime network. d. Ended because of the public outrage over the "St. Valentine's Day Massacre." e. All of the above.

Criminal Justice

Hua is arrested at a warehouse in Industry Park and is charged with the crime of theft. Hua will be prosecuted by

a. a district attorney or an attorney general. b. a judge. c. the victim of the crime. d. a jury.

Criminal Justice

Informal evaluations most frequently _________.

A. involve written reports B. are based on a report C. do not require extensive records D. are not based on opinion

Criminal Justice

Which of the following situations could lead to a civil suit for police negligence?

A) A police officer makes an arrest without just cause. B) A police officer uses excessive force against a member of the public. C) A police officer conducts a search without probable cause. D) A police officer injures an innocent bystander during a high-speed vehicle pursuit.

Criminal Justice