mandatory minimum

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mandatory minimum" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in legal contexts, particularly when discussing sentencing laws. For example, "The judge imposed a mandatory minimum sentence of five years." Alternative expressions include "required minimum" and "compulsory minimum."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He criticized mandatory minimum sentences.

The New York Times

More mandatory minimum sentences established by legislatures?

The New Yorker

But mandatory minimum withdrawals forbid that.

The New York Times

A conviction brings a mandatory minimum six-month jail term.

The Guardian

For instance, they repealed the mandatory minimum sentences.

The New York Times

Michigan is one of several states revising mandatory minimum sentences.

The New York Times

Holder said mandatory minimum sentences "breed disrespect for the system.

The Guardian

Federal drug laws carry savage mandatory minimum sentences.

The New York Times

No-knock police raids and mandatory minimum sentencing followed.

The New York Times - Books

He called mandatory minimum sentences "heavy handed and arbitrary".

The Economist

"Usually the judges are just stuck with the mandatory minimum".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal contexts, ensure you clearly specify what the "mandatory minimum" applies to (e.g., "mandatory minimum sentence for drug trafficking").

Common error

Don't use "mandatory minimum" without specifying the context. For example, instead of saying "the law has a mandatory minimum", clarify it by stating "the law has a "mandatory minimum" sentence for assault".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mandatory minimum" functions as a modifier, specifically an adjectival phrase, that describes a noun (usually "sentence", "term", or "penalty"). It indicates a legally required lower limit, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "mandatory minimum" is a frequent phrase, used to describe legally required lower limits in various contexts. As Ludwig demonstrates, the phrase often appears in discussions about sentencing, laws, and regulations. It's grammatically sound and commonly used across diverse sources, with News & Media being the dominant context. Despite its common use, the phrase's meaning and implications are often debated, particularly in discussions of criminal justice reform. It's essential to consider the specific context to avoid ambiguity and ensure clarity. Ludwig AI confirms the validity and usability of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

required minimum

Replaces "mandatory" with "required", emphasizing the necessity aspect.

statutory minimum

Substitutes "mandatory" with "statutory", highlighting the legal basis.

compulsory minimum

Uses "compulsory" instead of "mandatory", stressing the enforced nature.

obligatory minimum

Replaces "mandatory" with "obligatory", focusing on the binding aspect.

minimum requirement

Rearranges the phrase structure, emphasizing the "requirement" aspect.

prescribed minimum

Substitutes "mandatory" with "prescribed", indicating a rule or guideline.

legally required minimum

Expands the phrase to explicitly state the legal requirement.

fixed minimum

Focuses on the aspect of the minimum being set or unchangeable.

threshold minimum

Emphasizes that the minimum represents a boundary or limit.

absolute minimum

Highlights the minimum as an ultimate, non-negotiable value.

FAQs

How is "mandatory minimum" used in legal contexts?

In legal settings, "mandatory minimum" typically refers to the shortest sentence a judge can impose for a specific crime. These sentences are set by law and limit judicial discretion.

What are some common arguments against "mandatory minimum" sentencing?

Critics argue that "mandatory minimum" sentences can lead to unjust outcomes, disproportionately affect minority groups, and limit judges' ability to consider individual circumstances.

Which is more precise, "required minimum" or "mandatory minimum"?

"Mandatory minimum" is the standard legal term. While "required minimum" is understandable, it lacks the specific legal connotation of the former.

What is the difference between a "mandatory minimum" and a sentencing guideline?

A "mandatory minimum" is a legally prescribed minimum sentence, whereas sentencing guidelines are advisory frameworks that judges use to determine appropriate sentences, allowing for more discretion.