NCJ Number
139460
Date Published
1991
Length
136 pages
Annotation
This report evaluates two reform types, broad sentencing reforms and laws that mandate prison terms for crimes committed with deadly weapons.
Abstract
The broad reforms, which have been adopted in 20 States, fall into three categories: determinate sentencing, presumptive sentencing, and sentencing guidelines. Prior to these reforms and in almost all other States today, the dominant mode of sentencing involves indeterminate sentencing. Seven States (Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, and Tennessee) have adopted determinate sentencing statutes that specify ranges for various felony categories. Seven States (Alaska, Arizona, California, Indiana, New Jersey, New Mexico, and North Carolina) have adopted presumptive sentencing statutes that identify specific penalties for each crime category. Six States (Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wyoming) have adopted statewide sentencing guidelines that give a suggested sentence or range based on characteristics of the crime and the defendant. During the past two decades, nearly all States have enacted laws that establish prison terms for crimes committed with deadly weapons; Illinois, Mississippi, and North Carolina represent the only exceptions. Research into the impact of new sentencing laws on prisons and crime rates demonstrates little relation between sentencing law and prison and crime variables. The authors conclude that sentencing laws cannot be held responsible for the growing prison population and that they do little to reduce growing crime rates. The effect of speedy trial laws on prison populations and crime rates is discussed. References and tables