Determinacy and Indeterminacy Sentencing

Determinacy sentencing means that judges impose fixed prison terms, making it clear how long a person will serve for a specific crime. This approach provides consistency and predictability in punishment. In contrast, indeterminacy sentencing allows judges to assign a range of time (e.g., 5 to 10 years) based on individual circumstances. This system gives judges more discretion based on factors like behavior or rehabilitation potential, but can lead to unpredictability in how long someone will actually serve. Both methods aim to balance fairness, punishment, and the possibility of rehabilitation.