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Guides for Sentencing

NCJ Number
124388
Date Published
1974
Length
100 pages
Annotation
These guidelines for sentencing cover sentencing objectives, presentence reports, selection of the disposition, the sentence hearing, disparity and equality of sentences, sentencing the dangerous offender, and sentencing in racketeering cases.
Abstract
Sentencing objectives are the rehabilitation of the nondangerous offender and protection of the public through deterrence and confinement of the dangerous offender. The discussion of the presentence report notes that it should provide the judge with information on the character and behavior patterns of the defendant. Aspects of the presentence report discussed are description of the offense, criminal record, family history and relationships, neighborhood, employment history, education and intelligence, physical and mental condition, religion, evaluative summary, and recommendations. Among the sentencing options discussed, probation is advised to be the preferred disposition and to be considered in every case. Other sentencing options discussed are suspended sentences, fines, restitution, and institutionalization. Some obstacles to and means of reducing sentencing disparity are discussed. Sentencing factors and procedures in sentencing dangerous offenders and those involved in racketeering are addressed as well.