Criminal Sentencing in America. The way criminals are sentenced in America depends largely on crime rates, theories on how to deter crime, and the degree to which the public feels threatened by crime. Historically, various approaches to sentencing have been taken. This paper traces approaches used since World War II and shows how mandatory drug sentences, three-strike laws, and truth-in-sentencing have filled the prisons but more often with individuals convicted of nonviolent drug offenses than violent criminals. 7 pgs. 9 f/c. 5b. Pages: 7 Bibliography: 5 source(s) listed Filename: 3491 Criminal Sentencing America.doc Price: 62.65