What is the diffrence between determinate sentencing and indeterminate sentencing?

Question

which model holds the best long tearm promise for crime reduction and why is that?

Answer 1

Determinate sentencing refers to sentencing whose actual limits are determined at the time sentence is imposed. Indeterminate sentencing is when a sentence with a maximum (and, perhaps, a minimum) is pronounced but the actual sentence is determined by a parole commission or similar administrative body after the person has started serving their sentence.

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(I just went back and read Anthony S' answser and his sounds so totally non-textbook. This guy obviously knows what he's talking about. He da man!)

Answer 2

Determinite sentencing is a short sentencing window, of say 10 to 12 years. Indeterminite sentencing is a larger window, of say 5 to 20 years -- actual time served depends on behavior as determined by a parole review board.

Assuming the best promise is held by the one with the harsher punishment, then determinite sentencing would have the greater promise for crime reduction because it does not allow as much time to be taken off of a sentence for good behavior.

Assuming rewards for good behavior have the greater promise for long term reduction in crime, then indeterminate sentencing is the way to go.

The two models have some major fundamental differences and goals. The determinate sentence is geared more toward punishment, whereas the indeterminate sentence is geared toward rehabilitation.

I believe in indeterminate sentencing as the more promising of the two models, because a client (prisoner) may not be able to gain the momentum toward a better (crime free) lifestyle if he/she doesn't find reward in good behavior.

Answer 3

Determinate sentencing is when a person convicted of a crime is sentenced for a fixed length of time. Indeterminate sentencing involves a sentence of an unspecified term, such as 10 to 20 years. An indeterminate sentence can be reduced by a parole board (through statutory authorization) after the inmate has served the minimum time required by law. Since indeterminate sentencing gives inmates an "incentive" for good behavior, one could argue that the indeterminate sentencing model holds the best long-term promise for crime reduction because it encourages rehabilitation and "rewards" inmates for good behavior.