What is a 'mandatory minimum' sentence?

A 'mandatory minimum' sentence refers to a court-ordered minimum penalty that must be imposed for a particular crime, regardless of the circumstances of the case or the discretion of the judge. This legal requirement ensures that certain offenses receive a predetermined minimum level of punishment, which can serve various purposes, such as deterring crime and promoting consistency in sentencing. By establishing a baseline penalty, mandatory minimums aim to eliminate disparities in sentencing for similar crimes, thereby enhancing the uniformity of the criminal justice system.

The other options do not accurately reflect the concept of a mandatory minimum sentence. For instance, a maximum penalty pertains to the upper limit of sentencing, while guidelines and recommendations are not binding requirements and do not impose a minimum level of punishment.