What is the process called when a judge decides appropriate punishment in a criminal case?

The process where a judge decides on the appropriate punishment in a criminal case is known as sentencing. This phase occurs after a defendant has been found guilty, either through a plea or a trial, and it involves the judge imposing a specific penalty that reflects the severity of the offense, any mitigating or aggravating circumstances, and applicable laws. Sentencing can include various outcomes such as fines, incarceration, probation, community service, and more, tailored to fit the crime and the criminal's history.

Understanding sentencing is crucial in the legal system because it ensures that justice is served in a manner that is both retributive and rehabilitative. It also provides an opportunity for the judge to address the victim’s impact, the defendant’s role in the offense, and any potential for rehabilitation, balancing the interests of society with those of the individual involved in the case.

The other options refer to different components of the legal process: judgment pertains to the final decision rendered by a court, arraignment refers to the initial court appearance where charges are formally read, and mitigation relates to factors that might lessen the severity of the punishment. These terms, while significant in the justice system, do not specifically denote the act of deciding the punishment itself.