Your materials discuss several justifications for punishment, including general deterrence, individual deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation and retribution. Which of these do you believe is the most important in terms of sentencing and which do you believe is the most effective and why?
Mandatory sentences have become common in the criminal justice system, requiring definitive sentences to be imposed in each relevant case. In Maryland, for example a second-time drug distribution charge can result in a mandatory 10-year prison sentence and someone using a handgun in the commission of certain felonies face a mandatory 5-year sentence. What are the pros and cons of having such mandatory sentences? What is your view regarding the imposition of such sentences? Are they effective? Why or why not?