Criminal Justice Practice Exam

What type of sentence has a fixed minimum and maximum term of incarceration?

1. Indeterminate

2. Flat-time

3. Presumptive

4. Determinate

The correct answer is: Indeterminate

The correct answer is determinate. A determinate sentence is defined by having a fixed minimum and maximum term of incarceration. This means that the length of imprisonment is explicitly stated by the court, and the offender generally serves a specific amount of time as defined by the sentence without the possibility of parole or early release adjustments, except for statutory allowances such as good behavior. Indeterminate sentences, on the other hand, do not specify a set duration for incarceration. Instead, they provide a range of time, allowing parole boards or similar authorities to determine when the individual is ready for release, often based on behavioral assessments and rehabilitation progress. Flat-time sentences are similar but refer more specifically to a sentence that has no possibilities of parole or reductions, resulting in the offender serving the entire duration of the imposed sentence. Presumptive sentences are established by guidelines and can vary significantly case by case; they aren’t strictly fixed and often consider various factors to decide the final term. Overall, the uniqueness of determinate sentences lies in their clarity and predictability regarding the length of incarceration imposed on an individual.