Penalty Phase
/ˈpɛnəlti feɪz/
Definitions
- (n.) The stage in a criminal trial after a guilty verdict where the court determines the punishment to be imposed.
During the penalty phase, the jury considered mitigating and aggravating factors before deciding the defendant’s sentence.
Forms
- penalty phase
- penalty phases
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Distinct from the guilt phase, the penalty phase requires careful presentation of evidence influencing sentencing severity.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.