A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Sentencing guidelines are a set of rules that judges use to decide how to punish someone who has been convicted of a crime. These rules take into account the seriousness of the crime and the person's criminal history. The goal is to make sure that similar crimes are punished in a similar way, and to make sure that the punishment fits the crime.

Example: Let's say that two people are convicted of the same crime. One person has a long criminal history, while the other person has never been in trouble before. The sentencing guidelines would help the judge decide how to punish each person fairly. The person with the long criminal history might get a harsher punishment, while the person with no criminal history might get a lighter punishment.

Another example: In some states, the sentencing guidelines are mandatory. This means that judges have to follow the guidelines when deciding how to punish someone. In other states, the guidelines are just advisory. This means that judges can use their own judgment when deciding how to punish someone, but they still have to take the guidelines into account.

Explanation: The examples illustrate how sentencing guidelines work in practice. They show how the guidelines help judges make fair and consistent decisions about punishment, and how the guidelines can vary from state to state. By following the guidelines, judges can ensure that the punishment fits the crime and that justice is served.