Sentencing Option: Why Restrict Judges?
Wisconsin Lawyer, Vol. 83, No. 9, September 2010
6 Pages Posted: 10 Oct 2010
Date Written: October 7, 2010
Abstract
Dissatisfaction with parts of the indeterminate (parole) sentencing system led many states, including Wisconsin, to totally eliminate this and substitute a Truth-in-Sentencing system. After a decade with the new system, there are also many problems including difficulty in arranging programs, overcrowding and banishing the concept of rehabilitation. An adjustment would be to provide judges with both options at the time of sentencing so that the most serious offenders would be serving the fullest sentence while others would have earlier access to treatment and possible earned release.
Keywords: prison, prisoners, prison crowding, parole, sentencing, truth-in-sentencing, determinate sentence, treatment, rehabilitation, corrections
JEL Classification: K14
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation