Course Information

633 - Criminal Sentencing

Professor: Douglas A. Berman
Credits: 3
Semester: 2009 Winter
Second Writing? No
Seminar? No
Professional Responsibility? No

Decisions about the treatment of persons convicted of criminal offenses (ascribing punishment), and the rules and procedures used in reaching those decisions (the sentencing process), are crucial components of the landscape of criminal law. Both the theory and practice of criminal punishment and sentencing have evolved considerably throughout history, especially over the last 30 years. Beginning with a brief review of the traditional theoretical justifications for punishments, this course will examine in depth society’s developing approach to the sentencing of criminal offenders. Particular attention will be paid to developments in death penalty jurisprudence, modern guideline sentencing reforms, and recent constitutional rulings about required sentencing procedures in the landmark Blakely and Booker cases.

The course materials listed above are for informational purposes only and should not be considered final. Students must check with the Registrar for a current list of closed courses.