What are mandatory minimum sentences, and what affect have they had on correctional populations?

What will be an ideal response?


Mandatory minimum sentences were another attempt to limit judicial discretion while getting tough on crime. This type of sentence specifies a certain required number of years of incarceration for specific times. The goal is to provide equal treatment for all offenders who commit the same crime, regardless of sex, age, race/ethnicity, or other personal characteristics. Mandatory minimums are when the legislature prohibits defendants convicted of certain violent crimes, drug offenses, or other crimes from being placed on probation. Also, the legislature may require that certain offenses, such as drug and/or gun possession, carry a mandatory term of imprisonment. Mandatory sentences have increased the size of prison populations to record levels.

Criminal Justice

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In North Carolina v. Butler (1979) the Supreme Court ruled that the state has a __________ ____________ of proving that a suspect properly waiver her Miranda rights

Fill in the blank with correct word.

Criminal Justice

According to Michael Gottfredson and Travis Hirschi's low self-control theory of crime,

a. all criminal activity is organized. b. long-term, cooperative criminal enterprises are rare. c. white-collar crime is highly organized behavior. d. most criminal activity is organized.

Criminal Justice

Offender campaigns are most successful when they threaten later punishment

a. True b. False Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Criminal Justice

The ____________________ view of crime suggests that moral entrepreneurs define crime

Fill in the blank(s) with correct word

Criminal Justice