Honesty in Punishment According to The Bureau of Justice Statistics, people released from state prisons in 2006 served less

than 50% of the prison terms imposed by the judge (Pollock 172). Briefly describe truth in sentencing In general, should an inmate have to serve their entire sentence imposed by the judge? Is it ethical that sentences be reduced because of good time? What about parole? In the past, inmates have received up to 2/3 reduced sentence because of such factors should all inmates have this potential for release? Should it apply to both violent and non-violent offenders? When is the limit drawn? Should a child rapist be eligible to receive a reduction in time, say for instance his sentence was 10 years but he is released in 3 and on parole for 7? What are some ways the CJ system can work towards finding a way to achieve truth in sentencing. Mandatory Sentencing Is mandatory sentencing a good or bad concept, in general? Do you think mandatory minimums for certain crimes help with deterrence? What about with drug possession (220 lbs of Marijuana = 5 year sentence)? Should more crimes have minimum sentencing? Mandatory sentencing denies the use of discretion by courtroom actors, is this fair to the offender? Scenario - In Georgia, the mandatory minimum sentence for statutory rape of someone under 16 (when age difference is more than 5) is 10 years Should a 21 year old guy be sentenced the same as a 47 year old man in?

Three strikes law Min. term of 25 years upon 3rd felony

conviction Is this law reasonable? It is unjust? How many strikes is fair? Should the final strike be looked at as situational? What do you think??? Daryl, a 29-year-old male, has just been arrested for his 3rd felony. According to the three strikes law, if convicted, he will face a minimum of 25 years in jail. Daryl received his first two felonies in his early 20s for disorderly conduct (drunk and threatened police) and for assault (bar fight). He currently works full time, attends church, and has two daughters (7 and 10). He volunteers in his community regularly. Unfortunately, Daryl and his girls live in a bad part of town and crime is

prevalent. 3 months ago Daryl bought a gun to protect himself and his family. While carpooling home with his coworker after an office party, they are pulled over. The driver is suspected to be under the influence and both him and Daryl are searched and removed from the vehicle. The gun is found in his briefcase (felony possession of an unregistered firearm). If he goes to jail his daughters will be placed in the custody of their alcoholic/abusive mother. Would the mandatory sentencing be fair in this case? Is it ethical that he spends 25 or more years in jail? Would the use of discretion be potentially beneficial for Daryl? Would you say mandatory sentencing could potentially take over the system? Ie. All crimes have some sort of mandatory sentencing

Determinate Sentencing Laws Under the Fourteenth Amendment, a defendant is guaranteed the right to equal protection. Equal protection extends to each defendants rights to be heard, to have a fair trial, and to be sentenced accordingly. All criminals have a fundamental right to be protected against sentencing procedures that are inherently arbitrary and capricious. With that said, is our sentencing, specifically with Determinate Sentencing Laws (DSL), considered ethically just? Based on the Fourteenth Amendment, if two defendants are charged with the same crime, then the two should be sentenced in the exact same fashion? What usually happens in these scenarios? What are some positive aspects of Determinate Sentencing Laws? What are some negative aspects? Deterrence through Sentencing Often times a guilty defendant will receive an extremely severe punishment in hopes to deter others from committing similar crimes. Is this ethical, seeing that this defendant is being made an example out of? Could this be seen as ethical, even on extremely low level charges? Does the rights of the individual supersede the rights of society? How would this be different in terms of when the death penalty is involved?