minimum sentencing

Minimum sentencing refers to the legally established lowest amount of time a person must serve if convicted of certain crimes. It ensures consistency and prevents judges from imposing excessively light punishments. These minimums are set by laws or statutes and aim to uphold justice, especially for serious offenses. However, they can limit judicial discretion, meaning a judge has less ability to vary the sentence based on individual circumstances. Overall, minimum sentencing balances punishment with legal standards to promote fairness and accountability in the criminal justice system.