Reference no: EM133260717

Question: Unusual and Creative Sentences - What is the Purpose?

In Chapter 9, Gaines discusses a scenario involving a creative sentencing arrangement by a judge, Gaines writes, "After Jason Housholder and John Stockum were convicted of criminal damaging for throwing beer bottles at a car, municipal court judge David Hostetler of Coshocton, Ohio, gave them a choice: Jail time or walk down main Street in women's clothing." If you refer to the textbook, you will notice the two men chose dresses and wigs rather than jail.

Judges have a great deal of discretionary power and can impose sentences that fall into several categories. For example, a judge can impose a punitive sentence that includes jail, prison, monetary fine, community service, length of probation, etc. A judge can also impose a treatment sentence that includes education classes such as those associated with anger management, alcohol and/or drug use, etc. Judges can also select creative or discretionary sentences that they feel fit the crime using their judicial philosophy to do so.

Complete the following sentence, "Imposing a judicial punishment that requires men to dress as women..." Include in your response an argument for or against this type of "creative and unusual" punishment, why you agree or disagree with the judge's sentence, and any implications of this type of punishment on public perception and justice (if it applies).