What is the purpose of structured sentencing?

The purpose of structured sentencing is to create a predictable outcome in criminal cases. This system establishes a framework that guides judges in determining appropriate sentences for offenders based on specific criteria such as the severity of the crime and the offender's criminal history. By providing guidelines and ranges for sentences, structured sentencing aims to enhance fairness and consistency in judicial decision-making, reducing disparities between similar cases. This approach helps ensure that similar offenses receive comparable sentences, which can foster public confidence in the justice system.

The other options do not accurately reflect the objectives of structured sentencing. For instance, allowing judges complete discretion undermines the very framework that structured sentencing seeks to establish. Similarly, structured sentencing does not focus on reducing the overall number of sentences issued or inherently encourage plea bargaining; rather, it aims at uniformity and predictability in sentencing outcomes.