PUBLIC OPINION ON THE IMPACT OF MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCING ON THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. A CASE STUDY OF CHENNAI

AUTHOR – R.GOHULATHARANI STUDENT AT SAVEETHA SCHOOL OF LAW, SAVEETHA INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL AND TECHNICAL SCIENCE (SIMATS)

BEST CITATION – R.GOHULATHARANI, PUBLIC OPINION ON THE IMPACT OF MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCING ON THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM. A CASE STUDY OF CHENNAI, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 4 (2) OF 2024, PG. 1116-1132, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Mandatory minimum sentencing laws have been a contentious aspect of the United States criminal justice system since their widespread implementation in the 1980s. These laws require judges to impose a specified minimum prison sentence for certain crimes, regardless of mitigating factors.: This study aims to evaluate the comprehensive impact of mandatory minimum sentencing laws on various aspects of the criminal justice system, including incarceration rates, racial disparities, recidivism, and overall system costs.Findings:Incarceration rates have significantly increased in jurisdictions with strict mandatory minimum laws ,Racial disparities in sentencing have been exacerbated, with minorities disproportionately affected.The laws have shifted discretionary power from judges to prosecutors.Recidivism rates have not shown significant improvement compared to jurisdictions without such laws.The financial burden on the criminal justice system has increased substantially due to longer prison terms. The study concludes that while mandatory minimum sentencing laws have led to longer prison terms, they have also contributed to unintended consequences such as increased racial disparities and system costs. The findings suggest a pressing need for policymakers to reevaluate mandatory minimum sentencing laws. Potential reforms could include increasing judicial discretion, expanding alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offences, and implementing more nuanced sentencing guidelines that consider individual circumstances and rehabilitation potential.

KEYWORDS:Mandatory minimum sentencing , Criminal justice system , Judicial discretion, racial disparities