Mandatory Minimum Sentencing

Mandatory minimum sentencing refers to laws that set fixed minimum jail or prison terms for specific crimes. This means that if someone is convicted of that crime, judges must impose at least the minimum sentence, regardless of the circumstances or individual case details. The intention is to create uniformity in sentencing and deter crime, particularly for serious offenses, like drug trafficking or violent crimes. However, critics argue that it can lead to overly harsh sentences and limit judges' ability to consider unique factors in each case.