Mandatory Sentencing

Mandatory sentencing refers to laws that require judges to impose fixed prison terms for certain crimes, eliminating discretion in sentencing. When a person is convicted of a specified offense, the judge must follow these guidelines and cannot reduce the sentence based on individual circumstances or factors. This approach aims to ensure consistent punishment and deter crime, but critics argue it can lead to overly harsh sentences and contribute to prison overcrowding, as it removes the ability to consider personal situations or the nuances of each case.