Assignment Paper

YOUTUBE- https://youtu.be/n8WckXkGMhk
TEXTBOOK- Stohr, Mary K. and Walsh, Anthony (2016). Corrections the Essentials. Thousand Oaks, CA:
Sage. ISBN: 978-1-5063-6526-8
Sentencing is a post-conviction process in which the courts implement one or more of the punitive
philosophies: retribution, deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation, or restoration/reintegration (note: this
last one stems from more contemporary models and sometimes may be excluded). Sentencing decisions
should be in accordance with justice. There are three major sentencing models: indeterminate,
determinate, and mandatory. A major concern is sentencing disparity, in which sentences are not
accounted for by legally relevant variables. Efforts have been made to “individualize” justice by providing
judges with pre-sentence reports, sentencing guidelines, and smaller discretion gaps with sentencing.
When reading chapter 5, be sure to focus on: sentencing models and their rationals, habitual offender
treatment, alternatives to traditional courts/sentencing, sentencing disparity, and sentencing guidelines.
After reading, answer 2 of the 5 following questions as a reply to my discussion post:
1- Explain the differences between indeterminate sentencing and determinate sentencing. After, give an
example of how mandatory sentencing could work with either model.
2- Analyze the ethics of habitual offender statutes and treatment. Be sure to explain flaws within this
system.
3- Discuss sentencing disparity. Give an example of legitimate sentencing disparity and illegitimate
sentencing disparity in your discussion.
4- Compare and contrast truth in sentencing versus mandatory sentencing.
5- Of the four countries compared in the textbook (Page 104: Saudi Arabia, CHina, UK, France), which one
do you think does the best job with sentencing? Why?
Feel free to breakup your response into two separate paragraphs. Also, please cite evidence from the
textbook/outside articles when responding to ensure your understanding of the material.