Answer to Question 1
Truth-in-sentencing laws require offenders to serve a substantial portion of their sentence. They were enacted to reduce the discrepancy between the sentence imposed and the actual time served in prison. The U.S. Congress authorized funding for additional state prisons and jails. As incentive, states received monetary grants if they met truth-in-sentencing requirements where offenders served at least 85 percent of their sentence. Under truth-in-sentencing legislation, parole eligibility and good time credits are greatly restricted or eliminated.
Answer to Question 2
Mandatory minimum sentences were another attempt to limit judicial discretion while getting tough on crime. This type of sentence specifies a certain required number of years of incarceration for specific times. The goal is to provide equal treatment for all offenders who commit the same crime, regardless of sex, age, race/ethnicity, or other personal characteristics. Mandatory minimums are when the legislature prohibits defendants convicted of certain violent crimes, drug offenses, or other crimes from being placed on probation. Also, the legislature may require that certain offenses, such as drug and/or gun possession, carry a mandatory term of imprisonment. Mandatory sentences have increased the size of prison populations to record levels.
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