what is the law concerning whether judges can sentence a defendant who is guilty of a crime?

Question

against friends/acquaintances of the judge doing the sentencing?

Answer 1

The judge must recuse himself or herself (take themselves off the case) from a case in which he or she may have an interest or in which he or she may appear biased. Depending on how well the judge knows this person, the judge may be required to recuse himself or herself.

Check out the civil procedure statutes in your state for more information.

Answer 2

IN most cases a judge will pull out of such litigation, its called Recusal. An action that took place where the judge was a personal friend of either of the litigants would be subject to appeal and more than likely the judge would be reprimanded.

Answer 3

The judge can impose any sentence allowed by whatever statute defines the range of sentences.

The range of sentences are determined by the legislators, who write the statutory laws. The judge just works within that range.

As far as a judge presiding over a trial where one of their friends is the defendant, the rules of judicial conduct require that a judge recuse themself (withdraw) if there is even the appearance of impropriety. That would qualify.