Sentenced Meaning: Definition and Examples

Legal System

• Sentencing is a crucial part of the criminal justice process, where a judge determines the punishment after a conviction.
• Different types of sentences include imprisonment, probation, community service, or fines, depending on the crime's severity.
• In many legal systems, the aim of sentencing can include rehabilitation, deterrence, and retribution.

Psychology

• Judicial decisions can profoundly impact mental health, as individuals face stress, anxiety, and stigma after being sentenced.
• Research suggests that longer sentences may not lead to lower rates of recidivism; rehabilitation programs can be more effective.

Pop Culture

• Films and television often dramatize sentencing, showcasing courtroom battles and the emotional aftermath of verdicts.
• TV shows like 'Law & Order' depict how sentences are delivered, often leaving the audience on edge about the characters' fates.

International Perspectives

• Sentencing practices vary widely across cultures; some countries have mandatory sentences while others allow for judicial discretion.
• Certain nations focus more on restorative justice, aiming for reparations rather than solely punitive measures.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from the Latin 'sententia,' which means opinion or feeling.
• In Old French, it evolved to 'sentence,' which initially referred to a saying or a declaration before transforming into its legal meaning.

The word 'sentence' originates from the Latin word 'sententia', which means 'feeling, opinion, judgment'. This Latin term evolved into the Old French 'sentence', which referred to a decision made by a judge or a legal authority during a trial. The use of 'sentence' in English dates back to the late Middle Ages, where it was primarily used in legal contexts, specifically to mean the formal judgment or declaration of punishment. Over time, the term expanded beyond the legal field to encompass any declaration or statement, leading to its current dual meaning as both a punitive judgment and a grammatical construct. Today, in English, 'sentence' is frequently associated with law enforcement and judicial proceedings, symbolizing the societal effort to maintain order through established laws and consequences.

At #6,817 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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