Central to determinate sentencing is the idea that punishment should fit the crime and consider criminal history to be fair. Requiring harsher sentences for serious crimes addresses public safety, but mandatory additions to sentences for repeat offenses are often seen as unjust, such as a man receiving 25 years to life for petty thefts of $150. Long sentences for low-level crimes also crowd prisons and strain economic resources. There must be a balance between consistent sentencing and addressing the financial burden of mass incarceration.

1. 2-3 pages APA format *Fairness in Sentencing (Questioning Policy) Central
2-3 pages APA format*Fairness in Sentencing (Questioning Policy)Central to the philosophy
of determinate sentencing is the declaration that sentencing should be fair. The idea is that
legislative mandates will eliminate the impact of the socioeconomic difference among
offenders by ensuring that punishment is proportionate to the offense and that is still
allows the court to consider the criminal history of offenders. The first part of this
equation- that punishment be based on the seriousness of the crime- does address concern
for public safety and is consistent with public-support ideas that serious crimes can be
avoided in the future with harsher sentences. However, the secondary mandate-requiring a
judge to add on time for individual’s second or third conviction—is often viewed as
unjust. An offender named Andrade was found guilty and had two prior convictions for
petty theft of approximately $150.00, the three-strikes laws resulted in Andrade receiving a
prison term of 25 years to life. Some sentences can result in life imprisonment for
individuals who commit theft or other low-level offenses. Additionally, from a pragmatic
point of view, the more offenders who enter the prison system, the more economic
resources are needed to support increased prison populations. Discuss your views on the
requirement to provide consistency in sentencing versus financial concerns that stem from
prison crowding during less prosperous times.