Sentencing Models
|Kaplan University |
|Sentencing Models |
|Determinate, Indeterminate, and Mandatory Sentencing |
|Christopher Boone |
|1/1/2012 |
The nation’s sentencing model consists of three general types of sentences. These three different types are determinate, indeterminate, and mandatory sentencing. Each model differs from the next and each offers its own positive influence on society. Similarly, each offers its short comings, as well.
Across the nation several states have began to enact indeterminate sentences. These are also being called open-ended sentences. This is typically an attempt to impose longer sentences and to increase restrictions on high-risk criminals and sex offenders who have already served full sentences and are about to be released back in to society (Durling, 2006). Commonly, offenders are assigned a minimum sentence and a maximum sentence length. Around ninety days prior to the offenders minimum sentence is about to end a hearing takes place in front of an Indeterminate Sentencing Review Board. Here they will assess the offender’s probability of recidivism (Durling, 2006). At this board if the offender is found to be likely to re-offend he/she will be sentenced to a minimum of term of no longer than two years. This process of being reviewed is repeated until one of two things happens; either the offender “wins” the review board and is deemed ready to return to society, or the maximum term for the sentence has been served. Once released the offender has to meet certain
|Sentencing Models |
|Determinate, Indeterminate, and Mandatory Sentencing |
|Christopher Boone |
|1/1/2012 |
The nation’s sentencing model consists of three general types of sentences. These three different types are determinate, indeterminate, and mandatory sentencing. Each model differs from the next and each offers its own positive influence on society. Similarly, each offers its short comings, as well.
Across the nation several states have began to enact indeterminate sentences. These are also being called open-ended sentences. This is typically an attempt to impose longer sentences and to increase restrictions on high-risk criminals and sex offenders who have already served full sentences and are about to be released back in to society (Durling, 2006). Commonly, offenders are assigned a minimum sentence and a maximum sentence length. Around ninety days prior to the offenders minimum sentence is about to end a hearing takes place in front of an Indeterminate Sentencing Review Board. Here they will assess the offender’s probability of recidivism (Durling, 2006). At this board if the offender is found to be likely to re-offend he/she will be sentenced to a minimum of term of no longer than two years. This process of being reviewed is repeated until one of two things happens; either the offender “wins” the review board and is deemed ready to return to society, or the maximum term for the sentence has been served. Once released the offender has to meet certain