Instructions
Read Chapters 9 and 10 of Judicial Process in America and review the module resources.
Define “mandatory minimum sentences” and “sentencing guidelines.” Referencing your text and resource materials, explain why we have mandatory minimum sentences and sentencing guidelines; what purpose do they serve? State your opinion as to whether mandatory minimum sentences help or hinder judicial efficiency and defend your position by explaining why and how they do so.
To complete this assignment, review the Module Six Short Paper Guidelines and Rubric document
The Module Six short paper explores the effect of criminal sentencing regulation on judicial efficiency. Referencing your text and online resources regarding
sentencing guidelines and mandatory minimum sentences, you will consider the relationship between the unique punishment phase of criminal litigation and the
caseloads and work flow of the court system.
Read Chapters 9 and 10 of Judicial Process in America, as well as the following module resources:
Reconsidering Mandatory Minimum Sentences: The Arguments for and Against Potential Reforms
Excerpt from Introduction to Federal Sentencing Guidelines
How Plea Bargains Are Making Jury Trials Obsolete
Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed:
Definition: Define “mandatory minimum sentences” and “sentencing guidelines.”
Purpose: Referencing your textbook and resource materials, explain why we have mandatory minimum sentences and sentencing guidelines. What
purpose do they serve?
Opinion: State your opinion as to whether mandatory minimum sentences help or hinder judicial efficiency and defend your position by explaining why
and how they do so.
Guidelines for Submission: Your short paper must be submitted as a one- to two-page Microsoft Word document with double spacing, 12-point Times New
Roman font, one-inch margins, and at least three sources cited in APA format.