Question

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSIO 1. What are the purposes of criminal sen- 2. tencing? What sentencing strategies are most closely associated with each sen- tencing purpose?

Answer 1

The purpose of criminal sentencing are:-

Justice: for the Victim
Deterrent: to prevent crime in a society
Reform: As a means of rehabilitating the offender where possible.
Political: Public mood may need to be addressed for certain crimes and the way they are dealt with
Economic: The ability of the state to administer sentencing is clearly a factor. Poorer economies may not be able to support as sophisticated range of dealing with criminals.

Sentencing strategies are most closely associated with each sentencing purpose are the strategies for justice and reform are a balancing act. The punishment should be proportionate. i.e. a week in prison for rape and a life sentence for stealing a Mars Bar would be disproportionate.
An example of a strategy for Reform: might be a first time young offender being better off on a community service program than being sent to jail where they mix with other criminals.
Political strategies may change through events such as a spate of release criminals re-offending leading to calls for longer sentencing