Bill > SB0046

This bill amends the Unified Code of Corrections by removing a specific sentencing aggravating factor that previously allowed judges to consider "the sentence is necessary to deter others from committing the same crime" when determining an appropriate punishment. The change appears in Section 5-5-3.2, which lists various factors that courts can weigh when imposing sentences or determining more severe punishments. By deleting this provision, the bill eliminates deterrence as a standalone rationale for imposing a harsher sentence. The removal suggests a legislative intent to focus on other sentencing considerations such as the specific circumstances of the crime, the defendant's criminal history, harm caused, and other existing aggravating factors, rather than using individual sentencing as a broader societal deterrent mechanism. This modification could potentially lead to more individualized sentencing approaches that focus more directly on the specific offense and offender rather than on making an example of the defendant.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=46&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104