NCJ Number
94952
Date Published
1982
Length
16 pages
Annotation
Information is the key to decisions; however, while the quality of information is very important, the quantity is usually not. Therefore, information handling may be modified so that decisions are divided into a policy element and a case element.
Abstract
While the case elements have to be dealt with at the time the specific case becomes known, the policy elements cannot and should not be determined at that time. To alleviate parole and sentencing decisions, for example, some State legislatures have tried to restrain the discretion of judges by specifying statutory penalties. In other States, parole boards have been abolished and offenders serve 'fixed' terms. The provision of a sentencing structure within which discretion may be exercised is based upon sound decision theory. In terms of criminals and crime control, there are five major dimensions of information: (1) the crime, (2) the offender, (3) the victim, (4) the scene of the crime, and (5) the law. Because there are five components, all attention should not be focused on the offender. In developing a criminal justice policy, such factors as seriousness of the crime, culpability, aggravation, and mitigating factors must be considered. Results are presented from a number of studies on sentencing policy. Because such studies can be quite useful in policy formulation, additional studies should be undertaken. Five tables and seven references are included.