NCJ Number
169304
Date Published
1996
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Following an overview of issues that have emerged from structured sentencing (mandatory prison sentences, truth in sentencing, "three strikes" sentencing, determinate sentences, and sentencing guidelines), this report presents data pertinent to these issues.
Abstract
The goals of structured sentencing are to reduce sentencing disparity, improve information on sentencing practices, reduce prison crowding, and reduce crime. Related prison management concerns are classification inflation, loss of incentive for inmates to behave, increased disparity, increased prison crowding, and excessive prison terms. Projections for the future of structured sentencing are that indeterminate sentencing with parole will continue to dominate the States; existing guidelines will be further eroded by greater use of other forms of structured sentencing; and States will move toward blended systems of indeterminate/determinate sentencing structures. Figures show projected U.S. prison populations for 1990-2000; prison population projections of study States for 1995-2000; sentencing practices for each State as of February 1996; and sentencing commissions, truth in sentencing, parole, and good- time provisions in each State as of February 1996. Other tables and figures show the responsibilities of sentencing guidelines commissions for each State as of February 1996; States at or below rated capacity for 1994; and annual changes in incarceration rates for various States, as well as annual changes in total crime rates and violent crime rates.