Humanities Homework Help

In the sentencing process, judges consider a variety of factors (case attributes) that ultimately dictate the sentence imposed upon a criminal defendant. Please enumerate several attributes of a criminal case that affect a judge’s sentencing decision.

Do extra-legal factors play a role? If so, how?

Lastly, how have legislatures reduced judicial discretion over the past 30 years? Please be specific and cite all relevant evidence from the course materials.