Sentencing Models and The Correctional System Essay

How have sentencing models impacted corrections? Be sure to address the four types of sentencing models and the issues surrounding them (equity, truth-in-sentencing and proportionality). Sentencing models are plans or strategies developed for imposing punishment for crimes committed. During the 19th century these punishments were normally probation, fines and flat sentences. When someone was given a flat sentence, he or she had to serve the entire sentence without parole or early release. However, by the end of the 19th century the new models were developed. These new models include indeterminate, determinate, advisory/voluntary guidelines, presumptive and mandatory minimum sentencing (Schmalleger Smykla, 2011). Indeterminate†¦show more content†¦Even though the criminal justice system has guidelines to following when sentencing criminals, there are still sentencing issues. In other words, to make the sentencing more fair and equal, several issues have been addressed. These issues are proportionality, equity, social debt and truth in sentencing. Proportionality is a standard that deals with the punishment fitting the crime. The equity principle deals with ensuring that punishment for one crime is the same as punishment for a similar crime. Social debt is the next sentencing principle. With social debt, the judge reviews past behavior or criminal records in order to impose a fair sentence. Finally, the truth in sentencing ensures that inmates are not released from prison without serving the majority of his or her sentence. In other words, credit for good behavior or educational programs would not allow the inmate to be released if he or she only served a small portion of the sentence (Schmalleger Smykla, 2011). Additionally, these sentencing models have contributed to overcrowding in prisons and maximized case loads for community corrections as a result of diversion tactics and increased use of probation. The mandatory minimum sentencing was developed in an effort to make the criminals who committed the crime pay for what he or she did as well as deter other individuals from committing crimes. Though the goal of sentencing models wasShow MoreRelatedCorrections: From Rehabilitation to a More Punitive Model Essay1594 Words   |  7 Pages24 November 2014 Corrections Paper What changes led corrections away from rehabilitation and toward a more punitive model? Since World War II through the 1970s, many changes occurred in the United States correctional systems. Rehabilitation Model is a treatment program that was designed to reform the inmates. According to www.copower.org, â€Å"This model is similar to the medical model; it regards the person with a disability as in need of services from a rehabilitation professional who can provide trainingRead MoreThe philosophy of probation has changed over the past several years. 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