The judge’s role of sentencing defendants is likely the most difficult due to the effects punishment has individual’s lives. However, there are aspects which impact judge’s decision making when imposing sentencing. These factors are “statutory provision, …philosophical rationales, organizational considerations, …presentence investigation reports[,] and… personal characteristics” (Bohm, & Haley, 2014, p.322). The statutory requirements allow judges the guidelines to ascertain what allowable punishments fit the crime(s) committed (Bohm, & Haley, 2014). Additionally, factors such as societal recompense, deterring additional offenses, effecting defendant change, and victims’ rights all affect the decision-making process when considering fair punishment.
