What are intermediate sanctions? How do they differ from more traditional forms of sentencing? What advantages do they offer?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Intermediate sanctions employ sentencing alternatives that fall between outright imprisonment and simple probationary release to the community. They include the use of split sentencing, shock probation or parole, shock incarceration, mixed sentencing, community service, intensive supervision, or home confinement in lieu of other, more traditional sanctions, such as imprisonment and fines.

Intermediate sanctions differ from more traditional forms of sentencing options in that they are generally considered a compromise between the lack of punishment for some sentences (probation) and the excessive punishment of other sentences (such as imprisonment). The major advantage of intermediate sentences is that they give judges more options when deciding an appropriate sentence. Other advantages include that they are less expensive than imprisonment and also that they are socially cost-effective.