What type of sentence is determined based solely on fixed criteria set by lawmakers?

A determinate sentence is defined as a type of sentencing where the offender is given a fixed term of imprisonment. This means that the length of the sentence is established by law and is not subject to any variation, allowing for the completion of the sentence without the possibility of parole or early release based on good behavior. Essentially, determinate sentences provide a clear structure and predictability in sentencing, ensuring that sentenced individuals serve a specific, set amount of time as determined by statutes or guidelines established by lawmakers.

In contrast, a mandatory sentence refers to certain minimum penalties that must be imposed for specific offenses, but it may not dictate a fixed term length as strictly as a determinate sentence does. A presumptive sentence offers a guideline range based on the severity of the crime and the offender’s criminal history, allowing for some discretion in determining the final sentence. An indeterminate sentence typically involves a range of time (for example, 5 to 10 years), leaving the decision for parole and final release to the discretion of a parole board after serving a minimum portion of the sentence. Thus, the fixed criteria established by lawmakers are what support the definition of a determinate sentence, making it the best choice in this scenario.