Passing sentence is a phrase commonly used in legal proceedings. It refers to the act of declaring a punishment for a guilty party. The spelling of the word "passing" is /ˈpæsɪŋ/, which includes the silent letter "s" in the middle. The word "sentence" is spelled /ˈsɛn.təns/, with the emphasis on the first syllable. Using IPA phonetic transcription helps to accurately represent the sound of the word and can assist non-native English speakers in correctly pronouncing it.
Passing sentence refers to the act of a judge officially declaring the punishment or penalty that a convicted individual will receive after being found guilty of a crime. It can also be understood as the final step in a criminal trial where the judge imparts judgment on the defendant.
When a judge passes sentence, they consider factors such as the severity of the offense, any mitigating or aggravating circumstances, the defendant's criminal history, and the overall impact of the crime on individuals or society. The sentence can vary widely, ranging from fines, probation, community service, to imprisonment, and in some cases, even capital punishment.
Passing sentence is a crucial moment in the criminal justice system, as it represents the application of legal principles to determine an appropriate penalty that balances the interests of justice, deterrence, rehabilitation, and retribution. It is essential for the judge to carefully evaluate all the relevant information and weigh the potential consequences of their decision on both the convicted individual and society as a whole.
The act of passing sentence holds significant weight, as it plays a pivotal role in shaping the course of a convict's future and determining the degree of accountability for their actions. It is a solemn responsibility bestowed upon judges, requiring them to uphold the principles of fairness and justice while considering the particular circumstances of each case.
The phrase "passing sentence" can be broken down into two separate words: "passing" and "sentence".
The word "passing" comes from the Old French "passer", meaning "to go by" or "to pass". It ultimately derives from the Latin word "passare", meaning "to step, to go, to pass". Over time, "passing" acquired additional meanings such as "to move on" or "to continue".
The word "sentence" comes from the Latin word "sententia", which initially meant "feeling" or "opinion". Eventually, it expanded to encompass the meaning of "judgment" or "decision".
Therefore, the etymology of "passing sentence" suggests the act of making a judgment or decision regarding a person's guilt or innocence and delivering it to the person being tried.