Sentencing Models and The Correctional System

How have sentencing models impacted corrections?

Be sure to address the four types of sentencing models and the issues surrounding them (equity, truth-in-sentencing and proportionality).

Sentencing models are plans or strategies developed for imposing punishment for crimes committed. During the 19th century these punishments were normally probation, fines and flat sentences. When someone was given a flat sentence, he or she had to serve the entire sentence without parole or early release. However, by the end of the 19th century the new models were developed. These new models include indeterminate, determinate, advisory/voluntary guidelines, presumptive and mandatory minimum sentencing (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2011).

Indeterminate sentencing involves the judge handing down the sentence, specifying what the maximum and the minimum sentence is. However, the actual length of time served is determined by the parole board. Determinate sentencing involves prisoners being released early for good behavior. In other words, these inmates are given credits for good behavior or for participation in projects, experiments or educational programs (Schmalleger & Smykla, 2011). The credits, in turn, reduce the sentencing.

Next, is the advisory/voluntary guidelines sentencing. With the advisory/voluntary guidelines sentencing the judge uses a guide or recommended sentences from past cases to determine the length of punishment. In contrast, presumptive guidelines sentencing involves the judge following the guidelines provided by a sentencing commission. In other words, the sentence handed down must meet what is authorized by the sentencing commissions. Finally, the last sentencing model is the mandatory minimum sentence. With the mandatory ...

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...ibility of a longer sentence if the trial is lost. In contrast, the indeterminate sentencing reduces prison population but created more case loads for the community corrections. When the inmate is paroled early for good behavior, he or she is placed on parole. While on parole the community corrections must ensure that these individuals are not violating parole. Some ways to monitor the individuals behavior is through electronic monitoring (if on house arrest), alcohol and drug tests, home visits and reporting centers. The more people released early, the bigger the case load (Nieto, 1996).

Works Cited

Nieto, M. (1996). Community corrections punishments: An alternative to incarceration for non-violent offenders. Retrieved March 13, 2011, from http://www.library.ca.gov/crb/96/08/

Schmalleger, F. & Smykla, J. (2011). Correctional systems (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill.