NCJ Number
43232
Journal
CORRECTIONS, MAGAZINE Volume: 3 Issue: 3 Dated: (SEPTEMBER 1977) Pages: 64-68
Date Published
1977
Length
5 pages
Annotation
A SPECIAL CONFERENCE ON DETERMINATE SENTENCING HELD IN JUNE, 1977, COVERED A VARIETY OF TOPICS RELATED TO SENTENCING REFORM PORPOSALS.
Abstract
THE CONFERENCE, SPONSORED BY THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE OF LEAA AND THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT BERKELEY BOALT HALL SCHOOL OF LAW, FEATURED PRESENTATIONS BY SIX SPEAKERS FROM THE ACADEMIC CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMUNITY. OPINIONS ON THE DETERMINATE SENTENCING MOVEMENT RANGED FROM MILD RESERVATIONS ABOUT LEGISLATIVELY FIXED SENTENCES TO AN ALL-OUT ATTACK ON THE NEW SENTENCING LEGISLATION. CRITICISM WAS LEVELED AT MOVES TO ELIMINATE PAROLE BOARDS, LIMIT JUDICIAL DISCRETION, AND DEFINE CRIMES AND OFFENDER CHARACTERISTICS BY STATUTE. SUGGESTED ALTERNATIVES TO DETERMINATE SENTENCING PROPOSALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR CHANGE INCLUDED: (1) REFORM RATHER THAN ABOLITION OF THE PAROLE SYSTEM; (2) ESTABLISHMENT OF A SENTENCING COMMISSION; (3) INSTITUTION OF A 'COMMON LAW OF SENTENCING'; (4) APPELLATE REVIEW OF SENTENCES; AND (5) REDEFINITION OF THE PRISON TERM AND A NEW ROLE FOR PRISONS. CALIFORNIA'S NEW SENTENCING LAW WAS EXAMINED IN SOME DETAIL, AND CLOSE STUDY AND EVALUATION OF THE DIFFERENT DETERMINATE SENTENCING STRUCTURES ADOPTED IN MAINE AND CALIFORNIA WERE URGED.