THE ROLE OF SENTENCING IN CORRECTIONS Axia University of Phoenix CJS 230 INTRODUCTION  Throughout the history of the United States, we have the need for a Judicial system that imposes punishment to those whom break the law. The courts involve a complex decision making process in convicting and sentencing a criminal. Once a criminal is convicted the court is responsible to look into the criminal history (if any),and mitigating factors, in order to prescribe the just punishment for the criminal act. Unfortunately our society in America has many types of offenders, from traffic, to misdemeanors to felons, making each an individual cases which must be accountable for with the proper punishment.  Our Judicial system has went through many changes, through history. Changes are taking effect every day. Most changes in the Judicial system involve underlying political influences. The following is an out line of our criminal court system and the sentencing options and factors as well as its’ influences. SENTENCING MODELS  Rehabilitation Model: Emphasizes institutional programs to correct the problems and disadvantages criminals needed to overcome if they were to live crime free lives. Reintegration Model: Emphasis on real world programs as opposed to rehabilitation programs offered within prison walls, and its preference for probation and other community based forms of supervision were instrumental for several years in expanding noncustodial alternatives and holding down prison populations. Crime Control Model: More focused on efficient law enforcement and case processing leading to criminal conviction, emphasizes the system’s part in maintaining social order.