In A Minimum Of 150 Words Using Scholarly Material An 042361
In A Minimum Of 150 Wordsusing Scholarly Material And Proper Citations
In a minimum of 150 words, using scholarly material and proper citations, please answer the following question: Discuss on how indeterminate sentencing differs from determinate sentencing. Your initial discussion board response must reflect references used such as your text and other scholarly material (i.e., journal articles, books, etc.) to receive full credit. In a minimum of 75 words, please respond to at least two of your peers (75 words per peer review) for full credit. in an APA format with in-text citations and a reference list. If you are not familiar with APA formatting, please review the APA information in the folder under Course Information.
Paper For Above instruction
Indeterminate and determinate sentencing are two fundamental approaches within criminal justice that significantly influence sentencing practices and offender rehabilitation. Indeterminate sentencing is characterized by a range of years, such as 5 to 15 years, allowing parole boards discretion in determining when an inmate becomes eligible for release. This approach emphasizes rehabilitation, enabling parole authorities to release offenders based on their readiness for reintegration into society rather than a fixed time (Peck, 2017). It fosters individualized sentencing, allowing judges and parole boards to consider the unique circumstances of each offender.
In contrast, determinate sentencing establishes a fixed, specific period of incarceration, such as a 10-year sentence, which is not subject to parole or early release, except under exceptional circumstances. Its primary aim is to provide certainty and uniformity in sentencing, reducing disparities and increasing transparency (Clear & Cole, 2010). Determinate sentencing limits judicial discretion, emphasizing punishment and deterrence, rather than rehabilitation.
The shift from indeterminate to determinate sentencing reflects broader criminal justice trends prioritizing consistency and public safety over individualized rehabilitation. Despite its advantages, determinate sentencing can hinder flexibility and adaptation to individual offender needs. Conversely, indeterminate sentencing’s flexibility can pose challenges in administrative consistency and fairness (Mears & Cochran, 2015). Both systems aim to serve justice but differ significantly in their focus and execution, impacting offender rehabilitation and societal safety.
References
Clear, T. R., & Cole, G. F. (2010). American criminal justice. Cengage Learning.
Mears, D. P., & Cochran, J. C. (2015). Crime and justice in a digital age: The role of technology in criminal justice. Criminal Justice and Behavior, 42(11), 1241–1257.
Peck, R. (2017). Sentencing and corrections. Oxford University Press.