NCJ Number
122376
Journal
Willamette Law Review Volume: 25 Issue: 4 Dated: (Fall 1989) Pages: 881-899
Date Published
1989
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Oregon's status as a high crime State has led to the evolution of sentencing guidelines that are presumptive and determinate.
Abstract
In an attempt to reduce crime, the citizens of Oregon have put forth several strong sentencing proposals. Measure 4 requires that repeat offenders be denied parole and serve full determinate sentences. Sentencing guidelines developed by the State legislature replace an indeterminate sentence structure with one that is presumptive and determinate. Judges will determine actual time served by weighing the category of the crime committed and the criminal history of the offender. The evaluation of Oregon's sentencing policies is discussed in detail, and it is pointed out that sentencing changes will not end Oregon's crime epidemic. If Oregon is to have a viable sentencing philosophy, it must recognize the limited effectiveness of sentencing in stopping crime. 93 footnotes.