The Role of Judges and Prosecutors in Selecting an Appropriate Punishment

The Role of Judges and Prosecutors in Selecting an Appropriate Punishment
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The role of judges and prosecutors in selecting an appropriate punishment
Judges and prosecutors are critical in determining an appropriate sentence in case there are alternatives. The alternatives could be considered at the pre-trial, sentencing, and release points (The UN, 2007). The sentencing stage is the most important point requiring the administrator's critical evaluation and ethical approach. Some administrators regard imprisonment as the ultimate destination for criminals. However, the approach has a significant impact on the economy, society, and the incarcerated. For instance, the US prison system is overburdened with people of color and therefore is perceived as sustaining a racial prejudice (Hetey & Eberhardt, 2018). Moreover, the incarcerated people are exposed to criminal minds, and some, who are wrongly sentenced, have their lives wasted. Parents and families are also impacted emotionally and financially. Therefore, the judges and prosecutors should use alternatives to punishment that are sustainable, ethical, and considerate of the incarcerated person's future.
The judges and prosecutors should use improvement less frequently. The concept of parsimony identifies the sparing use of imprisonment whereby one is sentenced for shorter durations or less often (The UN, 2007). Notably, this concept indicates that administrators have time alternatives; they could choose to select for shorter and longer periods. It also identifies alternatives to imprisonment; the administrators could choose not to imprisonment but use other measures. Therefore, the judges and prosecutors should exercise their mandate and consciousness to support alternative measures that promote the convict's welfare. Maculan and Gil Gil (2020) notes that traditional perception of the justice system as the state's right is critical to justice. The article also notes that modern court determinations are approached as an obligation to the victim. Notably, the courts are held accountable if they do not make a court determination that pleases the victim. As such, one is likely to be displeased if the offender receives a less painfu...