Reading Assignment for Section 5.5

Read the following subsection from our online textbook: Section 5.5: Sentencing.

What You Will Learn

In this section, you will examine the text of the Eighth Amendment and its profound impact on the American criminal justice system. You will explore the differences between structured and indeterminate sentencing, and learn about the various types of structured sentences used today. Additionally, you will trace the historical development of mandatory sentencing laws, understand the content and function of presentence investigation reports, and delve into the history and function of federal sentencing guidelines. Lastly, you will outline the major arguments for and against the death penalty.

Student Learning Outcomes for Section 5.5

• SLO 1: Recite the text of the Eighth Amendment, and discuss the impact of each clause on the American criminal justice system.
• SLO 2: Describe the differences between structured and indeterminate sentencing.
• SLO 3: Describe the different types of structured sentences in use today.
• SLO 4: Trace the historical reasons for the development of mandatory sentencing laws.
• SLO 5: Describe the content and function of a presentence investigation report.
• SLO 6: Trace the history and describe the function of the federal sentencing guidelines.
• SLO 7: Outline the major arguments for and against the death penalty.