noun phrase · academic
mandatory minimum sentence
UK/ˈmændətəri ˈmɪnɪməm ˈsɛntəns/US/ˈmændətɔːri ˈmɪnəməm ˈsɛntəns/MAN·da·to·ry MIN·i·mum SEN·tence
a legally required minimum prison term that judges must impose for certain offences
Examples
“Critics say mandatory minimum sentences remove judicial discretion and can lead to unfairly long terms.”
“The law introduced a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for the offence.”
“Campaigners argued for repealing mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offences.”
Band 8 sentence
“Opponents argue that mandatory minimum sentences disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities and should be reformed.”
Collocations
- impose a mandatory minimum sentence
- lift mandatory minimum sentences
Word family
Common mistakes
mandatory sentence→mandatory minimum sentence
mandatory minimum penalty→mandatory minimum sentence
Say it for a higher band
5long prison term→6statutory minimum→7+mandatory minimum sentence
Synonyms
statutory minimum sentence
Easily confused
stiff sentence
“The judge handed down a stiff sentence for the repeat offender.”
Related words
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