Ch9.2 Flashcards
(21 cards)
What is sentencing disparity?
Variations between different judges for similar crimes committed under similar circumstances
It includes reliance on extra-legal factors.
What are the two sources of unwarranted sentencing disparity?
- Systematic factors
- Unsystematic factors
What do systematic factors in sentencing disparity refer to?
Consistent disagreement among judges, such as judges’ personality and philosophy
What do unsystematic factors in sentencing disparity refer to?
Inconsistency across time, such as fluctuations in judges’ mood
What type of sentencing disparity does Judge Jonas’ behavior reflect?
Unwarranted sentencing disparity
How is sentencing disparity typically studied?
- Simulation studies
- Official sentencing statistics
What is the purpose of simulation studies in the context of sentencing disparity?
To provide judges with mock cases and study variations in sentence length
What is one strategy to reduce sentencing disparity?
Implement sentencing guidelines
What is the risk-need-responsivity model?
Core principles of effective correctional intervention to reduce recidivism rates
What are the three important principles of the risk-need-responsivity model?
- Risk principle
- Need principle
- Responsivity principle
What is parole?
The release of offenders from prison into the community before their sentence term is complete
What are the types of parole granted by the Parole Board of Canada?
- Temporary absence
- Day parole
- Full parole
- Statutory release
What is temporary absence in terms of parole?
Allows to enter the community on a temporary basis
What is day parole?
Allows to enter the community for up to one day
What is full parole?
Serve the remainder of the sentence in the community under close supervision
What is statutory release?
Release from prison after 2/3 of the sentence is served
What factors are considered in parole decision-making?
- Statistical measures of risk to reoffend
- Criminal history
- Employment history
- Psychological or psychiatric reports
- Institutional behavior
- Victim information
- Feasibility of release plans
What is the Structured Parole Decision Making Framework (SPDMF)?
An empirically-based framework designed to lead to lower rates of decision errors
What is the difference in success rates between discretionary and statutory parole decision-making?
Discretionary parole decision-making results in higher success rates and less likelihood of breaching conditions
True or False: Most failures in parole are due to the commission of new offenses.
False
Fill in the blank: Offenders taking part in programs following the risk-need-responsivity model have exhibited a decrease in _______.
recidivism
