Role of Aggravating and Mitigating Factors in Criminal Sentencing

Introduction

In criminal cases, sentencing is not solely determined by the nature of the offence but also by various mitigating and aggravating factors that influence judicial discretion. These factors help courts assess the appropriate punishment by considering the specific circumstances of both the crime and the offender. Mitigating factors are circumstances that lessen the severity of the crime, potentially leading to a reduced sentence. Examples include the offender’s lack of prior criminal history, genuine remorse, mental illness, or acting under duress. Conversely, aggravating factors increase the gravity of the offence and may result in harsher penalties. These include prior convictions, use of excessive violence, targeting vulnerable victims, or committing crimes with premeditation.

The consideration of these factors ensures a fair and individualized sentencing process, balancing justice and rehabilitation while deterring future crimes. Legal systems worldwide incorporate these elements to maintain proportionality in punishment, ensuring that penalties reflect not only the offence but also the broader context in which it was committed. This paper explores the role of mitigating and aggravating factors in criminal sentencing, their legal implications, and how they contribute to the overall effectiveness of the justice system.

Factors aggravating the gravity of offence: ( National Criminal Code. 2074, Sec 38)

• The offence was committed against the President or Head of Government or head of a foreign State,
• The offence was committed in presence of the President or Head of Government or head of a foreign State,
• The offence was committed by the breach of trust,
• The offence was committed by taking benefit of or abusing a public office,
• The offence was committed with the intention of obstructing a person holding a public office in discharging his or her official duty or to cause such person to commit an illegal act,
• The offence was committed in any government office, public office or religious place,
• The offence was committed by five or more persons affiliated with a group,
• The offence was committed by taking advantage of the disturbance of public peace or landslide, flood, earthquake or natural calamity of a similar nature or outbreak of epidemic, starvation or occurrence of any other crisis of a similar nature,
• The offence was committed by carrying or using an arm or toxic or explosive substance or supplying electricity or using an electronic device or with the aid of a person carrying an arm, toxic or explosive substance,
• The offence was committed again by an offender already sentenced to imprisonment,
• The offence was committed by being allured of any remuneration or assurance or benefit,
• The offence was committed against a person under one’s own protection or control or against the property under one’s own custody,
• The offence was committed by subjecting any one to torture, cruel, inhumane or degrading treatment,
• More than one offence was committed on a single occasion,
• The offence was committed against more than one person on a single occasion,
• The offence was committed by kidnapping anyone or taking anyone hostage,
• The offence was committed against a person under detention, custody, imprisonment or control,
• The offence was committed by one who has a duty to provide security to any person against that person,
• The offence was committed with the intention of destroying the identity of any caste, race or group (genocide),
• The offence was committed with the intention of causing hatred against any caste, race, religious or cultural community,
• The offence committed was a crime against humanity,
• The offence was committed in a planned or organized manner,
• The offence was committed against an elderly person above seventy-five years of age or a person being of unsound mind by reason of physical or mental illness or a person incapable of defending himself or herself because of disability, or a child,
• The offence was committed by a person deputed in rescue work in cases of motor vehicle, aircraft accident or natural calamity while being engaged in such rescue work,
• The offence was another offence committed by the same offender against the person who had already become a victim of an offence.

Factors mitigating the gravity of offence: (National Civil Code, 2074 Sec 39)

• The offender is below eighteen years or above seventy-five years of age,
• The offender had no intention to commit the offence,
• The person against whom the offence was committed had, immediately before the commission of the offence, provoked or given threat to the offender,
• The offence was committed instantly as a retaliation against any grave offence committed against the offender or any of his or her close relatives,
• The offender voluntarily confessed the offence or expressed remorse.
• The offender surrendered himself or herself to the concerned authority,
• The offender, having confessed the offence committed by him or her, has already provided or agreed to pay compensation to the victim,
• The offender has diminished capacity because of physical, mental ability or disability,
• The extent of loss or harm caused to the victim and the society being insignificant,
• The offender rendered assistance in the judicial process by telling the truth to the court,
• The offender has confessed the guilt and committed not to commit any criminal offence in the future,
• The offence was committed under another's instigation or pressure.

Aggravating and mitigating circumstances are significant to the sentencing process, rendering punishment equitable, fair, and fitting to the circumstances of an offense in the immediate context. Preparatory character, abuse of authority, or crime against vulnerable persons are aggravating factors deserving increased penalties through exhibiting greater moral blameworthiness. Conversely, extenuating factors such as remorse, lack of intent, or cooperation with the authorities reduce sentences by revealing circumstances that reduce the fault of the offender. The National Criminal Code provides guidelines on such factors, emphasizing individualized sentencing. By proper consideration of these factors, the judicial system achieves a balance between deterrence, rehabilitation, and justice. This approach ensures that the criminals are held accountable without overlooking the broader social and individual settings where crimes occur. Ultimately, a refined appreciation of these factors strengthens the legal system, upholding justice and human rights in criminal proceedings.