Assignment:
As a judge, you possess the ultimate decision making authority in handing down sentences to offenders. A young criminal justice student has requested to interview you for a departmental journal. The student is curious about the decision making process within a judicial setting and asks you to describe your approach. The student also wants to know what factors are most useful to you in making a sentencing decision.
Because of time constraints, you are unable to set an appointment with the student and, therefore, offer to prepare a one- to two-page response in Word, explaining your approach to the decision making process in your capacity as a judge. In your response, include the following points:
- A brief description of the judicial setting, commenting on the courts in general
- The steps to reach a sentencing decision
- Two factors you would take into account when determining a sentence
- The end process in reaching a final decision