What is the primary purpose of sentencing guidelines?

The primary purpose of sentencing guidelines is to provide judges with criteria for determining appropriate sentences based on various factors, such as the nature of the crime, the severity of the offense, and the defendant's criminal history. These guidelines are designed to promote consistency and fairness in sentencing across similar cases, reducing the risk of arbitrary or overly lenient penalties and helping to uphold the principles of justice.

Guidelines also aim to ensure that judges have a framework to follow while still allowing for discretion based on the specifics of each case. This means judges can consider the individual circumstances surrounding a crime, which promotes a more personalized approach to justice rather than applying a one-size-fits-all rule. Thus, the choice emphasizing the provision of criteria for judges aligns perfectly with the goals of promoting equitable and informed sentencing practices.