mandatory sentence

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mandatory sentence" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal contexts to refer to a sentence that a judge is required to impose for a particular crime, without discretion. Example: "The judge had no choice but to impose a mandatory sentence of five years for the offense."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The verdict carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison.

The New York Times

The mandatory sentence prescribed by law is imprisonment for life.

The Guardian

By enforcing uninterpretable standards of exchange, a video record has the effect of a mandatory sentence.

The New Yorker

She received a mandatory sentence of life without the possibility of parole.

The Economist

He faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment when he is sentenced on Oct. 5.

The New York Times

Providing evidence to the prosecution is one of the few ways to avoid a mandatory sentence.

The New York Times - Science

The murder convictions carry a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.

The New York Times

The missile charge alone carried a minimum mandatory sentence of twenty-five years to life.

The New Yorker

There is no minimum mandatory sentence, giving judges flexibility in ruling.

The New York Times - Sports

The jury was not told of the mandatory sentence before it issued its verdict.

The New York Times

A first-degree-murder conviction would have meant a mandatory sentence of life without parole.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal matters, use the term "mandatory sentence" to accurately convey the lack of judicial discretion in sentencing. For example, "The law stipulates a "mandatory sentence" of five years for this offense."

Common error

Avoid assuming that all sentences are "mandatory sentence". Many offenses allow judges some leeway in determining the punishment. Be precise when a "mandatory sentence" is actually in effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "mandatory sentence" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a type of punishment that is legally required and leaves no discretion to the judge. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "mandatory sentence" is a common and grammatically correct term, predominantly used in legal and news contexts to describe a legally required punishment for a crime, as Ludwig AI confirms. Its purpose is to inform and describe a legal constraint, emphasizing the lack of judicial discretion. While alternative phrases exist, such as "compulsory sentencing" and "statutory minimum sentence", "mandatory sentence" is the prevalent term. A key writing tip is to use this phrase precisely when judicial discretion is absent. With a high source quality score of 89, this phrase is considered professional and accurate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

compulsory sentencing

This alternative focuses on the enforced nature of the sentencing.

fixed sentence

This alternative highlights the lack of flexibility in the sentence's duration.

statutory minimum sentence

This alternative emphasizes the legal basis and the lower limit of the sentence.

prescribed sentence

This alternative suggests that the sentence is determined in advance by law.

legally required sentence

This alternative makes it explicit that the sentence is demanded by law.

minimum term

This alternative focuses specifically on the duration of imprisonment.

tariff sentence

This alternative, more common in the UK, implies a standard punishment based on the crime.

automatic penalty

This alternative suggests an immediate and unavoidable consequence.

determinate sentencing

This alternative term refers to a sentencing system where the length of imprisonment is fixed at the time of sentencing.

presumptive sentence

This alternative refers to a sentence that a judge should impose unless there are specific mitigating or aggravating circumstances.

FAQs

What does "mandatory sentence" mean?

A "mandatory sentence" is a legally required punishment for a specific crime, leaving no discretion for the judge to impose a lesser penalty.

How does a "mandatory sentence" differ from other types of sentences?

Unlike discretionary sentences, a "mandatory sentence" removes the judge's ability to consider mitigating circumstances or impose alternative punishments. It is a fixed penalty prescribed by law.

When might a judge be required to impose a "mandatory sentence"?

Judges are typically required to impose a "mandatory sentence" when the law explicitly states the minimum or fixed punishment for a particular crime, often in cases involving firearms, drugs, or repeat offenses.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "mandatory sentence"?

You can use alternatives like "compulsory sentencing" or "statutory minimum sentence", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.