Sentencing without Guidelines - Softcover

Hester, Rhys

 
9781439923559: Sentencing without Guidelines
Softcover
ISBN 10: 1439923558 ISBN 13: 9781439923559
Publisher: Temple University Press, 2024

Synopsis

Sentencing matters. Reform initiatives hope to impart more uniformity and fairness in sentencing. Tough-on-crime laws like “three strikes” and mandatory minimum provisions deprive judges of sentencing discretion. While sentencing guidelines have been adopted by approximately 20 states since the early 1980s, many judges operate without guidelines.

Sentencing without Guidelines is Rhys Hester’s deep dive into how South Carolina, which never passed sentencing guideline legislation, nonetheless created meaningful punishment reform. It achieved uniformity in sentencing with a traveling circuit of judges, informal norms among judges, and the unique phenomenon of the “Plea Judge” to manage cases.

Hester examines how prior convictions, race, and geographical differences impact sentences to explain why individuals get the criminal sentences they do. He also explores how legal reform mechanisms can influence punishment goals and policy. Sentencing without Guidelines shows the benefits and drawbacks South Carolina experienced as it met sentencing reform goals. These lessons can be translated into policy for other jurisdictions.

"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.

About the Author

Rhys Hester is Associate Professor of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice at Clemson University.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Publisher
Temple University Press
Publication date
2024
Language
English
ISBN 10 
1439923558
ISBN 13 
9781439923559
Binding
Paperback
Number of pages
183

Other Popular Editions of the Same Title

9781439923542: Sentencing without Guidelines

Featured Edition

ISBN 10:  143992354X ISBN 13:  9781439923542
Publisher: Temple University Press, 2024
Hardcover