Believe Quote by Robert Kennedy
“I believe indeterminate sentencing can be extremely useful, but I also believe that any such system should always take into consideration the special knowledge as to the facts in a case which only the trial judge possesses.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Judicial Reform Forum, 1964
Sentencing should be flexible, but judges must consider unique case facts that only they know.
In simple terms: Judge expertise matters.
Balance discretion with fairness.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- courtrooms
- legislative hearings
- law school curricula
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can safeguards ensure fairness?
- What role should juries play?
Overreliance on judge may cause inconsistency.