Sentencing without Guidelines - Hardcover

Hester, Rhys

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 143992354X ISBN 13: 9781439923542

Publisher: Temple University Press, 2024

Synopsis

Sentencing matters. Reform initiatives hope to impart more uniformity and fairness in sentencing. Tough-on-crime laws like “three strikes” and mandatory minimum provisions deprive judges of sentencing discretion. While sentencing guidelines have been adopted by approximately 20 states since the early 1980s, many judges operate without guidelines.

Sentencing without Guidelines is Rhys Hester’s deep dive into how South Carolina, which never passed sentencing guideline legislation, nonetheless created meaningful punishment reform. It achieved uniformity in sentencing with a traveling circuit of judges, informal norms among judges, and the unique phenomenon of the “Plea Judge” to manage cases.

Hester examines how prior convictions, race, and geographical differences impact sentences to explain why individuals get the criminal sentences they do. He also explores how legal reform mechanisms can influence punishment goals and policy. Sentencing without Guidelines shows the benefits and drawbacks South Carolina experienced as it met sentencing reform goals. These lessons can be translated into policy for other jurisdictions.

About this title

About the Author

Rhys Hester is Associate Professor of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice at Clemson University.

Edition details

• Publisher: Temple University Press
• Publication date: 2024
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 143992354X
• ISBN 13: 9781439923542
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 192