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In Law / College | 2025-07-08

What are the two major areas of judicial discretion? A) Sentencing and jury selection B) Interpretation of law and jury selection C) Interpretation of law and jury instruction D) Sentencing and interpretation of law

Asked by kristyis2641

Answer (1)

In the legal field, judicial discretion refers to the power and flexibility that judges have in making decisions. This discretion allows judges to make fair and individualized decisions based on the facts and context of each case. The two major areas of judicial discretion are:

Sentencing : After a defendant is found guilty, judges have the discretion to decide the appropriate punishment within the boundaries set by law. This can involve choosing from a range of potential penalties, such as fines, probation, or imprisonment, based on the specific circumstances of the case. Sentencing discretion allows judges to consider factors such as the severity of the offense, the defendant's criminal history, and any mitigating or aggravating factors that might influence the decision.

Interpretation of Law : Judges often have the task of interpreting laws and legal standards when making decisions. This involves determining the meaning of statutes, regulations, and case precedents and applying them to the facts of the case at hand. Judicial interpretation requires judges to consider the intent of the law, the context in which it was enacted, and its application to new or unique situations.


Based on these explanations, the correct choice for the question is D) Sentencing and interpretation of law. These areas are crucial in ensuring justice is administered fairly and appropriately in each unique case.

Answered by EmmaGraceJohnson | 2025-07-22