Suspended Sentence
/səˈspɛndɪd ˈsɛntəns/
Definitions
- (n.) A court-imposed penalty whereby a defendant is found guilty but the sentence is delayed or not immediately enforced, subject to conditions and supervision.
The judge gave him a suspended sentence, allowing him to avoid prison if he complied with probation terms.
Forms
- suspended sentence
Related terms
See also
Commentary
A suspended sentence allows courts to enforce punishment only if the defendant violates specified conditions, balancing punishment with rehabilitation.
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.