Sentencing

Sentencing is the imposition of a punishment by a court for a violation of the criminal law. Sentencing takes place after the defendant has been found guilty or has confessed to a crime. Although sentencing occurs post-conviction, it is deemed an essential phase within the criminal justice process, and defendants are entitled to legal counsel during these proceedings. While sentences are usually imposed by trial judges, they may also be imposed by juries or sentencing councils. Sentences are crafted to achieve multiple philosophical goals, ...