What Is The Sentencing Hearing?
Except for minor offenses, such as infractions a sentencing hearing is held where the final sentence or penalty is determined. The law gives the judge a great deal of leeway in determining what the …
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Legal Articles
Sentencing Guidelines: Fair Sentences or a Denial of Trial by Jury?
In the 1980s, it became apparent to those in the U.S. government that there were wide sentencing disparities in the United States federal court system. Defendants who were convicted of very similar crimes were receiving wildly different sentences. Accordingly, a movement began to develop federal sentencing guidelines. In addition to providing equitable sentences around the …
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Overturning Wrongful Convictions Through DNA Testing
While DNA testing is a routine procedure used by prosecutors in criminal cases today, it is still a relatively new technology in the criminal justice system. As a result, a large number of defendants who were convicted of crimes prior to the inception of DNA testing are now seeking DNA testing in order to prove their innocence. While there is no question that DNA testing could …
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