Sentencing

Sentencing refers to the judicial process whereby a judge determines the appropriate punishment for a convicted individual following a trial or guilty plea. It is a critical stage in the criminal justice system whereby various factors, including the severity of the crime, the defendant's background, and mitigating circumstances, are evaluated to impose a fair and just sentence. sentencing can involve various forms of penalties, including imprisonment, fines, probation, or community service.

Sentencing meaning with examples

• In a landmark case, the judge's sentencing included not only prison time but also mandated rehabilitation classes to address the addict's underlying issues, marking a shift toward restorative justice practices.
• During the sentencing phase of the trial, the defense attorney presented compelling character witnesses who attested to the defendant’s contributions to the community, hoping to mitigate the punishment.
• Sentencing guidelines, established by state and federal laws, provide judges with a framework to ensure consistency and fairness in the penalties imposed on offenders across similar cases.
• After the jury delivered its guilty verdict, the courtroom was tense as the judge prepared for sentencing, which could result in years behind bars for the defendant.
• The appeals process was initiated immediately after sentencing, as the defense team argued that the judge had ignored crucial evidence that could have influenced a more lenient sentence.