fixed sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fixed sentence" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to law, linguistics, or any situation where a sentence is established and unchangeable. Example: "The judge issued a fixed sentence for the defendant, ensuring that the punishment would not be altered."

✓ Grammatically correct

Law

Linguistics

Corrections

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

It also requires inmates to serve at least 85percentt of the fixed sentence they receive.

The New York Times

Patients may however be discharged from any point in the recovery pathway if appropriate or if they come to the end of a fixed sentence.

BMC Psychiatry

A judge would give a convicted violent felon a fixed sentence, not a range, and discretionary parole would be eliminated.

The New York Times

So he gets a fixed sentence, then declares himself sane, transfers to an ordinary prison, and applies for parole?

Independent

Last December, the justice secretary said he intended to restrict IPPs to offenders who would otherwise have merited a fixed sentence of 10 years.

The Guardian

The final decision rests with Straw, who can reject recommendations on prisoners serving a fixed sentence of more than 15 years but less than life.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

As a result, many of those thought likely to be unfit to stand trial or NGRI were instead given fixed sentences and released at fixed times irrespective of risk.

BMC Psychiatry

Justice Alito, in a separate dissent that seemed directed to sentencing judges, said the majority's opinion did nothing to affect even quite long fixed sentences.

The New York Times

Do you know, the last Labour Government actually went so far as to enshrine in law the automatic release for all prisoners given fixed sentences?

The Guardian

The decision seemed to endorse both traditional sentencing schemes that leave sentences entirely up to judges so long as they do not exceed statutory maximums and schemes that designate fixed sentences for given crimes.

The New York Times

Unfortunately, Professor Petersilia said, "When we adopted fixed sentences, there is no longer any incentive for prisoners to reform, just as there is no way to judge whether their behavior has improved".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal contexts, use "fixed sentence" to clearly convey that the duration is pre-determined and not subject to discretionary adjustments.

Common error

Avoid using "fixed sentence" when you mean an indeterminate sentence, which allows for release based on parole or other factors. "Fixed sentence" implies a set duration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fixed sentence" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically within legal and correctional contexts. It describes a sentence with a predetermined length, as highlighted by Ludwig's examples. It's about the type of punishment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fixed sentence" is a commonly used noun phrase, particularly in legal and correctional contexts, to describe a sentence with a predetermined duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and conveys a specific meaning related to the nature of punishment. When writing, be precise about whether you're referring to a sentence with a set duration or one that allows for discretionary release, and use “fixed sentence” accordingly. Alternatives like "determinate sentence" or "set term" can be used to avoid repetition or for subtle shifts in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

determinate sentence

Emphasizes the definite and pre-determined nature of the sentence length.

set term

Focuses on the duration being established in advance.

mandatory sentence

Highlights that the sentence is required and not subject to judicial discretion.

prescribed sentence

Suggests the sentence is officially dictated or recommended.

pre-determined sentence

Underscores that the sentence was decided before the trial.

definite sentence

Highlights the clear and unambiguous nature of the sentence.

unchangeable sentence

Emphasizes the lack of flexibility or modification possible.

specified sentence

Indicates that the sentence has been clearly and explicitly defined.

agreed-upon sentence

Highlights that there was consensus in setting the sentence.

non-parole sentence

Indicates that the sentence must be served in full without eligibility for parole.

FAQs

How is a "fixed sentence" different from an indeterminate sentence?

A "fixed sentence" means the duration is set at the time of sentencing, while an indeterminate sentence allows for release based on factors like parole. Indeterminate sentences lack a definite end date initially.

What are some alternatives to "fixed sentence"?

You can use alternatives like "determinate sentence", "set term", or "mandatory sentence" depending on the context.

In what legal contexts would I use the term "fixed sentence"?

The term is appropriate when discussing sentencing guidelines, mandatory minimums, or situations where the judge has limited discretion in determining the length of imprisonment.

Is a "fixed sentence" always served in full?

While the term implies a set duration, good behavior or other factors may allow for some reduction in time served, though this is not always the case. Some jurisdictions require inmates to serve at least 85% of the "determinate sentence".