Define and explain presumptive sentencing guidelines. Why is this important?

What will be an ideal response?


A legislatively established commission provides a sentencing formula based on various factors, stressing the nature of the crime and the offender’s criminal history. Judges may be strictly limited in terms of discretion or may be provided with flexibility within established limits. The judge must justify departures from the presumptive sentence on the basis of various aggravating and mitigating factors that are listed in the guidelines. A prosecutor may file a motion for a downward departure for a defendant who provides substantial assistance to the prosecutor. Appeals are provided in order to maintain “reasonable sentencing practices” in those instances in which a judge departs from the presumptive sentence in the guidelines.

Criminal Justice

You might also like to view...

Suppose that in 2015, nominal Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the economy of Chiconia was $10 trillion and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) price index was 200.0. What is Chiconia's real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2015?

A) $20 trillion B) $5 trillion C) $200 trillion D) $10 trillion

Criminal Justice

According to the wedding cake model of justice, the decision to classify the seriousness of cases is best described as a(n) ______ process.

a. lengthy b. celebrated c. unproductive d. informal

Criminal Justice

What table shape is ideal to use in a long, narrow room?

A. block table B. round table C. T-shaped table D. E-shaped table

Criminal Justice

As defined in the text, _________________ is something done to get someone in trouble, but _________________ is done to keep someone safe

Fill in the blank(s) with correct word

Criminal Justice