In the realm of criminal justice, this term refers to the manner in which a judge orders sentences to be served. When a defendant is convicted of multiple offenses, the judge may stipulate that the prison terms for each offense be served one after the other. This means the offender begins serving the second sentence only after completing the first, and so on for any subsequent sentences. For example, if an individual receives a five-year sentence for robbery and a three-year sentence for assault, and the judge orders them to be served in this manner, the total incarceration period would be eight years, absent any reductions for good behavior or other mitigating factors.
The practice of imposing such terms plays a significant role in reflecting the severity of the defendant’s overall criminal conduct. It allows the court to ensure that the punishment adequately addresses the harm caused by each individual offense, especially in cases involving multiple victims or distinct criminal acts. Historically, this approach to sentencing has evolved alongside changing societal views on crime and punishment, reflecting an increasing emphasis on accountability and the need to deter future criminal behavior. This method of calculating incarceration time also provides clarity and predictability for both the offender and the correctional system.
