MLchartDataset catalogue

Mandatory minimum

Term · Law · MLC-T-LAW-003140

A statutory provision that requires judges to impose a minimum sentence for certain crimes, regardless of mitigating circumstances. These sentences remove judicial discretion in sentencing and are often applied to drug offenses, violent crimes, and firearms violations. Critics argue that mandatory minimums can lead to disproportionately harsh sentences and contribute to mass incarceration.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-LAW-003140
FieldLaw
Record as JSON 
{
  "id": "MLC-T-LAW-003140",
  "term": "Mandatory minimum",
  "field": "Law",
  "definition": "A statutory provision that requires judges to impose a minimum sentence for certain crimes, regardless of mitigating circumstances. These sentences remove judicial discretion in sentencing and are often applied to drug offenses, violent crimes, and firearms violations. Critics argue that mandatory minimums can lead to disproportionately harsh sentences and contribute to mass incarceration.",
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/law/mandatory-minimum/"
}

Record 3,104 of 5,441 in Law terminology (MLC-0107). Request the full dataset.