Sentencing thesis is a written work composed as part of a student's degree program, often accompanied by an oral defense It is an argumentative essay that typically presents the student's assessment of an existing legal policy and its implications for a particular area of the law. The thesis statement contains the student’s argument in support of their understanding of the current legal policy and the suggested changes which could address existing gaps in the existing legal framework.
An effective sentencing thesis should include support from adequate judicial, academic and policy literature, address and respond to the opposing views of the issue and present a well-developed conclusion. Here are five examples of interesting sentencing thesis topics:
1. Exploring the Impact of Sentencing Reforms on Recidivism Rates: This topic looks at how sentencing reforms have directly impacted recidivism rates in the United States, and whether any of these reforms have positively or negatively influenced criminal justice system outcomes.
2. Assessing the Impact of Mandatory Minimums on Racial and Social Disparities in Sentencing: This thesis explores the implications of mandatory minimum sentencing laws on sentencing disparities between races, genders, and socio-economic backgrounds. It looks at the effectiveness of such laws in addressing the existing gaps in sentencing equality in the United States.
3. The Role of Victim Impacts on Sentencing in Sexual Assault Cases: This essay looks at the role of victim impact statements in the sentencing of perpetrators of sexual assault. It examines the legal framework for admitting such statements in the courtroom, and evaluates their effectiveness in shaping sentencing decisions.
4. Investigating the Impact of Judicial Discretion on Sentencing: This thesis looks into the impact of judicial discretion on the sentencing outcomes. It looks at the legal structure of judicial discretion and compares it to the sentencing outcomes, in order to determine whether judicial opinions have any measurable influence on sentencing decisions.
5. Sentencing Alternatives to Imprisonment: This thesis proposes alternative sentencing options to traditional incarceration sentences. It examines the cost-benefit of such alternatives, including programs such as house arrest, services to enhance court supervision, and community service opportunities.