Street Law Ch 15

Criminal sentencing serves the following purpose ___________________________.

retribution, rehabilitation, deterrence.

A sentencing option that reflects the get-tough attitude toward crime is ____________.

three strikes.

In states that have mandatory sentencing laws ______________________________________.

judges have little discretion in setting the sentence.

A person released from prison before the completion of their confinement time and supervised in the community is on ________.

parole.

Who would be held in prison rather than in jail?

Mary is serving her sentence for a felony.

Sentencing option in which defendant pays the government a sum of money.

fine

Sentencing option in which defendant pays the victim for the losses suffered.

restitution

Sentencing option in which defendant is on supervised release after sentencing.

probation

Factors that suggest a less severe punishment is appropriate.

mitigating

Repeat offender.

recidivist

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation helps offenders change their behavior so they can lead useful and law-abiding lives after release. It is based on the idea that criminals can be helped to overcome the social, educational or psychological problems that caused them to commit

Deterrence

Many people believe that punishment will discourage the offender from committing another crime in the future. The punishment may also serve as an example to deter other people from committing crimes.

Incapacitation

Some people believe that society will be protected by physically separating the criminal from the community. While locked up in prison, the offender will not pose a threat to the safety of the community.

Retribution

At one time, the primary reason for punishing a criminal was retribution, the idea of "an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth." Criminals were punished as a kind of revenge for their wrongdoing.

Aggravating and Mitigating Circumstances

Judges and juries are required to consider both aggravating and mitigating circumstances, including such things as the nature of the crime and the background and prior record of the accused before deciding on the sentence. Aggravating circumstances are fa

Presentence Report

Prepared by the probation department, this report contains a description of the offense and the circumstances surrounding it. It sets out the defendant's past criminal record, data on the defendant's social, medical, educational, and employment background