Punishment and Sentencing

These flashcards cover key concepts related to punishment and sentencing, addressing various systems, principles, and terms encountered in correctional practices and justice.

Sentencing Guidelines

A set of standards to establish rational, fair, and consistent sentencing practices.

Retribution

Punishment that is proportional to the severity of the crime.

Deterrence

Punishment aimed at discouraging an offender from repeating their offense and preventing others from committing similar crimes.

Incapacitation

Removing the offender from society to prevent them from committing future crimes.

Rehabilitation

Providing treatment to help an offender reintegrate into society as a law-abiding, productive member.

Restorative Justice

An approach that focuses on repairing the harm caused by crime through inclusive dialogue among victims, offenders, and the community.

Indeterminate Sentence

A sentence that prescribes a range of time to be served, with parole eligibility depending on rehabilitation.

Determinate Sentence

A sentence that mandates a specific amount of time to be served.

Mandatory Sentence

A sentence that requires a minimum amount of prison time set by law.

Truth in Sentencing

Laws that require offenders to serve a substantial portion of their prison time before being eligible for parole.

Probation

A court-ordered period of supervision in the community that serves as an alternative to incarceration.

Intermediate Sanction

Punishments that are more severe than probation but less severe than incarceration.

Technical Violations

Acts that violate the conditions of probation or parole.

Recidivism

The tendency of formerly incarcerated individuals to be re-arrested, reconvicted, or reincarcerated.

Juvenile Justice System

A separate legal framework for handling cases involving individuals under the age of 18 who are accused of committing crimes.

Domestic Terrorism

The unlawful use of violence by individuals or groups against their own population to intimidate them for political purposes.

Cybercrime

Criminal activities conducted via the internet or computer networks.

Organized Crime

A continuing enterprise that profits from illegal activities, maintains its existence through force, threats, or corruption.

Homicide

The intentional killing of another person.

Serial Murder

The killing of three or more victims over a period of time with a cooling-off period between murders.

Mass Murder

The intentional killing of several people at one location within a short time span.

Spree Murder

The killing of several people at different locations over a short period of time without a cooling-off period.