Reforming Sentencing
Over the past 30 years, which two groups have shaped sentencing policies the most?
Congress and state legislatures
From 1980 to 2015, U.S. imprisonment rates rose from 139 to how many offenders per 100,000 people?
458 offenders per 100,000.
What does sentencing shape besides punishment?
The correctional system’s effectiveness
Sentencing reform efforts aim to reduce disparities and ensure fairness in the criminal justice system.
True
Who was the first president of the United States?
George Washington
Why did state legislatures gain more power over sentencing policies?
: Because elected officials try to reflect citizens’ desires.
What was the name of the study that looked at how policies affected prison populations over 30 years?
Vera Institute Study.
Traditional sentencing policies focus on what?
Punishment — long prison terms and mandatory minimums
One of the main goals of sentencing reform is to increase mandatory minimum sentences for all offenses.
False
Which month has 28 days
February
Where are creative sentencing codes usually developed?
State legislatures.
Name one key factor that caused incarceration rates to rise.
Longer sentences for violent offenders / Harsher drug penalties / Higher mandatory sentences / More mandatory laws.
Name one major issue caused by traditional sentencing policies.
(Any of the following) Prison overcrowding / High recidivism / Social & economic costs
Sentencing guidelines were created to eliminate judicial discretion entirely.
False
Who is the actor for Iron Man?
Robert Downey Jr.
Name one negative result of shifting sentencing power to state legislatures.
Increase in prison population / Increased demand on budget resources / Little return on incarceration spending.
Which region of the U.S. has the lowest incarceration rates?
Northeast & Midwest (examples: Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Rhode Island, Vermont).
Give one example of an alternative to prison sentences.
(Any of the following) Probation / Drug treatment / Community service
Three-strikes laws generally require a life sentence after a person has been convicted of three felony offenses.
True
who won the last world cup
Argentina
What is Sentencing reforms?
Efforts to reform sentencing laws aim for a fairer, consistent, and proportionate justice system by reducing mandatory minimums, expanding judicial discretion, offering second-chance reviews, and emphasizing rehabilitation and recidivism reduction.
Which region of the U.S. has the highest incarceration rates?
The South (examples: Louisiana, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama).
What is the overall goal of evidence-based, individualized sentencing?
To reduce repeat offenses and create a fair, effective, and sustainable correctional system
Victim impact statements may be considered during sentencing to give victims a voice in the process
True
how many color are in the rainbow
seven