Chapter 15: Criminal Justice Process ~ Sentencing & Corrections Objective: The student should be able to list the various options to sentencing & identify key points of interest in sentencing & correction practices.

Sentencing Options Presentence Report: a probation officer’s written report that gives the sentencing judge information about the defendant’s background & prospects for rehabilitation Suspended Sentence Probation Home confinement Fine Restitution Work release ImprisonmentDeath

Purposes of Punishment Retribution: Punishment given as a kind of revenge for wrongdoing Deterrence: Measures taken to discourage criminal actions; Usually some form of punishment. It is the belief that punishment will discourage the offender from committing future crimes and will serve as an example to keep others from committing crimes

Purposes of Punishment (Continued) Rehabilitation: The process through which a convicted person is changed or reformed, in order to lead a productive life rather than commit another crime. Incapacitation: A reason for criminal punishment that stresses keeping a convicted person confined to protect society

Parole Defined: Release from prison before the full sentence has been served, granted at the discretion of a parole board. This is not a right but, rather a privilege Parole board makes the decision

Capital Punishment a/k/a Death Penalty: putting a convicted person to death as punishment for a crime Most controversial sense given to defendants Restricted to most serious crimes 1977: Supreme Ct held that death penalty was an unconstitutional punishment for rape

Capital Punishment Continued Aggravating Circumstances: factors that tend to increase the seriousness of an offense. The presence of such circumstances must be considered by the judge & jury. Mitigating Circumstances: Factors that tend to lessen the seriousness of an offense. The presence of these factors must be considered by the judge or jury.

Corrections When a person has been convicted of a crime, state & federal governments have the right to place the offender in the corrections system. Treatment & punishment options available: –Community corrections –Halfway house –Jails & prisons

Corrections Continued Life Behind Bars Prison Overcrowding Reentering Society –Begins in correctional institution –Focuses on actual transition from institution back into the community –Links people who left institution with a network of social service agencies & community based organizations