Sentencing in The United States Review

Instructions

Sentencing

This assignment, an Article Review, will assist you in thinking critically about sentencing in the United States. To begin this assignment, please access the CSU Online Library and select an article. This article should be from a professional or scholarly journal. Additionally, the article selected should be no more than four years old.

Upon selecting the article, please complete an Article Review. The review should include the following,

1. A summary of the article (1/2-1 page).
   1. Summarize the main points which the author discusses.
   2. Identify the main argument.
   3. This summary should provide background for the analysis you provide (see below).
2. An analysis of the article.
   1. This is the most important part of the review and should be most of your paper.
   2. In this section, you should show that you not only read the article, but also that you are thinking critically about it.
   3. Think about the following when analyzing this article:
      1. Is the argument clear and organized?
      2. Is evidence presented, more than simply opinion?
      3. Is the argument logical, does it make sense?
      4. Does the argument match with what you know of the topic?
      5. Who is the intended audience?
      6. Is the argument convincing? Why or why not?
      7. Is the argument conventional, controversial, boring, safe, etc.?
      8. What suggestions do you have for the author to improve the argument? Did he/she forget to add any significant information (if so, what)?
      9. Is this useful for those who study this topic? Why and how?

Answer:

Article Review: “Examining the Impact of Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Laws on Incarceration Rates”

Summary: The article “Examining the Impact of Mandatory Minimum Sentencing Laws on Incarceration Rates” explores the effects of mandatory minimum sentencing laws on incarceration rates in the United States. The author begins by providing an overview of mandatory minimum sentencing laws, which require judges to impose predetermined minimum sentences for certain offenses, often involving drugs or firearms. The article discusses the history and rationale behind mandatory minimum sentencing, highlighting its implementation as a response to concerns about crime rates and drug-related offenses.

The main argument of the article is that while mandatory minimum sentencing laws were intended to deter crime and enhance public safety, they have contributed to the significant increase in incarceration rates, particularly for nonviolent offenses. The author argues that mandatory minimums have disproportionately affected minority and low-income communities, leading to overcrowded prisons, strained resources, and social inequities. The article emphasizes the need for reforming mandatory minimum sentencing laws to address these negative consequences and promote more effective and equitable approaches to criminal justice.

Analysis: The article presents a clear and organized argument, supported by evidence from research studies, statistical data, and policy analyses. The author effectively examines the logic behind mandatory minimum sentencing laws and critically evaluates their impact on incarceration rates and society as a whole. The argument is logical and coherent, aligning with existing knowledge and research on the topic of sentencing and criminal justice.

The intended audience for this article appears to be policymakers, criminal justice professionals, scholars, and individuals interested in understanding the implications of mandatory minimum sentencing laws. The argument is convincing, as it highlights the flaws and unintended consequences of mandatory minimums while advocating for evidence-based reforms to improve the criminal justice system.

While the article is informative and well-researched, one suggestion for improvement would be to explore potential alternatives to mandatory minimum sentencing and discuss their feasibility and effectiveness. Additionally, the author could delve deeper into the racial and socioeconomic disparities exacerbated by mandatory minimums and offer recommendations for addressing these inequalities.

Overall, this article is valuable for those studying the topic of sentencing and criminal justice reform, as it provides insightful analysis and evidence-based arguments to inform policy discussions and decision-making processes. It underscores the need for a more balanced and equitable approach to sentencing that prioritizes public safety, fairness, and rehabilitation.