Exam 2: Sentencing and the Correctional Process

Which law authorized funding for additional state prisons and jails in order to ensure that convicted offenders serve a large portion of their sentence?

The ____________________ formally charges the jury by instructing its members on what points of law and evidence they must consider before reaching a decision of guilty or innocent.

The presentence investigation serves as the basis for sentencing and has a significant influence on whether the convicted defendant will be granted community release or sentenced to secure confinement.

Before sentencing takes place in felony cases, it is common for the court's probation staff to conduct a:

In 1970, about one in 12 cases made it to trial; today, fewer than one in 40 felony cases are tried in court.

List and describe the at least three actors in the sentencing process.

Discuss consecutive and concurrent sentences and give an example of each.

During trials without juries, the judge:

____________________ sentencing imposes a sentence for a definite term.

Social class, gender, age, and victim characteristics are considered ______________________ factors in sentencing.

Determinate sentencing reform has been implemented in every state.

What are some of the criticisms of sentencing guidelines on the federal level?

Consecutive sentences are usually the norm.

The most widely used type of sentence today is:

In __________________, the defendant deposits a portion of the bail amount, usually 10 percent, with the court clerk.

Individuals who are more dangerous and more likely to be repeat offenders are referred to as:

Scott was arrested for the crimes of aggravated assault and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Scott was previously convicted of burglary, theft, assault, and several drug offenses. He previously served a 1-year prison sentence for the burglary conviction. Scott was only out of prison 4 months before he was arrested on these new charges. Prior to his first prison sentence, Scott was on probation for his theft, assault, and drug charges. Assuming that Scott is found guilty, prior to sentencing, who would conduct a presentence investigation?

What is appropriate for a judge to consider in making a sentencing decision?

There has been a transfer of power in the courts that has undercut the formal court process with a more informal system shaped by backroom deals and agreements.

Under presumptive sentencing guidelines, the governor sets the penalties for criminal acts.