That rise had several causes, among them the greater number of people imprisoned for non-violent crimes and the heavier sentences that came with new laws laying down mandatory minimum terms.

如此增长背后是有其原因的，其中就有因非暴力罪行而羁押的人数增多，以及由于新法案规定强制性的最低刑期后判罚加重等。

youdao

He also disliked fixed sentences, insisting that judges should be able to exercise flexibility and discretion-especially in murder cases, where he campaigned against the mandatory life term.

他也很反感墨守成规，他认为法官应该灵活而谨慎地断案，特别是谋杀案。他曾经为谋杀罪的强制性终身监禁判罚进行过抗争。

youdao

Many states have mandatory minimum sentences, which remove judges' discretion to show mercy, even when the circumstances of a case cry out for it.

即便在一个让他痛苦流涕的案子的环境下，许多州的强制性最低刑期的存在，排除了法官酌情开恩的选择。

youdao

There is a good case for opposing tough mandatory sentences merely on moral grounds.

ECONOMIST: Justice in America

Mr Gray said mandatory sentences for carrying a knife would be part of the Labour manifesto for the next Holyrood election.

BBC: Scottish Parliament

Justice minister David Ford was also opposed to mandatory sentences.

BBC: Sentencing for crimes against older and vulnerable people