NCJ Number
164726
Date Published
1997
Length
0 pages
Annotation
The impact of sentencing guidelines on sentencing disparity and prison crowding is assessed in this State-by-State analysis of sentencing practices.
Abstract
The focus is on the consequences of sentencing reform on corrections in general and on the prison system in particular. The following impacts of sentencing reform on the prison system are noted: sentence length has increased; fewer incentives exist for inmates to behave; sentencing disparity has increased; and prisons are more crowded with excessive prison terms. Fifteen States use sentencing guidelines, but most have indeterminate sentencing systems. Despite certain negative impacts of sentencing reform, determinate sentencing will likely continue; a primary reason involves the substantial costs involved for States to switch from an indeterminate to a determinate sentencing system. In actuality, States will likely move toward a blended sentencing system that combines features of both determinate and indeterminate practices.