Legal Definitions - fixed sentence

A fixed sentence is a judgment that a court formally pronounces after finding a criminal defendant guilty. It is the punishment imposed on a criminal wrongdoer. For example, a sentence of 20 years in prison is a fixed sentence.

There are different types of fixed sentences:

• Determinate sentence: A sentence for a fixed length of time rather than for an unspecified duration. For instance, a sentence of 10 years in prison is a determinate sentence.
• Mandatory sentence: A sentence set by law with no discretion for the judge to individualize punishment. For example, a mandatory sentence of 5 years in prison for a particular crime.
• Death sentence: A sentence that imposes the death penalty. For instance, a death sentence for a convicted murderer.

These examples illustrate how a fixed sentence is a specific punishment that a court imposes on a criminal defendant after finding them guilty of a crime. The type and length of the sentence depend on the severity of the crime and the laws of the jurisdiction.