a) Your text discusses several justifications for punishment, including general deterrence, individual
deterrence, incapacitation, rehabilitation and retribution. Which of these do you believe is the most
important in terms of sentencing and which do you believe ts the most effective and why?
b) Mandatory sentences have become common in the criminal justice system, requiring definitive
sentences to be imposed in each relevant case. In Maryland, for example a second-time drug distribution
charge can result in a mandatory 10-year prison sentence and someone using a handgun in the
commission of certain felonies face a mandatory 5-year sentence. What are the pros and cons of having
such mandatory sentences? What is your view regarding the imposition of such sentences? Are they
effective? Why or why not?