Which statement describes the difference between determinative and indeterminate sentencing?

Which statement describes the difference between determinative and indeterminate sentencing?

• A. Determinative fixes a term and limited parole; indeterminate uses a range with release based on rehabilitation
• B. Indeterminate fixes a term with no parole; determinative uses a range
• C. Both are the same in terms of parole and release
• D. Determinative eliminates parole entirely while indeterminate requires parole

Answer: (A)

The difference hinges on how long someone stays in custody and how release is decided. In determinate sentencing, the term is fixed: a specific number of years or months is set, and release follows that fixed term, with parole playing little or no role. In indeterminate sentencing, the term is a range (minimum to maximum), and release depends on rehabilitation and readiness for reintegration, typically decided by a parole board or similar authority. That matches the description that a determinate sentence fixes a term with limited or no parole, while an indeterminate sentence uses a range with release based on rehabilitation.

The difference hinges on how long someone stays in custody and how release is decided. In determinate sentencing, the term is fixed: a specific number of years or months is set, and release follows that fixed term, with parole playing little or no role. In indeterminate sentencing, the term is a range (minimum to maximum), and release depends on rehabilitation and readiness for reintegration, typically decided by a parole board or similar authority. That matches the description that a determinate sentence fixes a term with limited or no parole, while an indeterminate sentence uses a range with release based on rehabilitation.