What does concurrently mean in sentencing?

Pronunciation

/kənˈkʌrəntli/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

In criminal law, a sentence served at the same time as another sentence, often for multiple crimes committed by the same person, where the sentences run simultaneously rather than consecutively.

Examples

• The defendant was sentenced to 5 years for robbery and 3 years for assault, to be served concurrently.
• The judge ordered the sentences to run concurrently, rather than consecutively, due to the defendant’s cooperation.

Synonyms

• Simultaneously
• Together

Antonyms

• Consecutively
• Separately

Additional Information

In criminal law, concurrent sentencing is often used to reduce the overall sentence length, taking into account the defendant’s cooperation or other mitigating factors. However, concurrent sentencing can also lead to controversy, as it may be seen as too lenient or unfair to victims.

Concurrent sentencing is often contrasted with consecutive sentencing, where the sentences are served one after the other. The decision to impose concurrent or consecutive sentences depends on the discretion of the judge and the specific circumstances of the case.

In some jurisdictions, concurrent sentencing may be mandatory for certain crimes or in certain situations, such as for multiple crimes committed during the same incident.

Etymology

The term “concurrently” comes from the Latin “concurrere,” meaning “to run together.”

Usage Notes

In formal legal contexts, the term “concurrently” is often used to specify that two or more sentences are to be served at the same time.

In informal contexts, the term “concurrently” may be used to describe simultaneous events or actions, but this usage is less common and less precise.

Cultural References

• In popular culture, concurrent sentencing is often depicted in TV shows and movies, where it is used to add drama or tension to the plot.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Serve time concurrently” means to serve multiple sentences at the same time.

Related Words or Phrases

• Consecutive sentencing
• Sentence reduction

Collocations

• “Concurrently with” means at the same time as something else.
• “Concurrently serving” means serving multiple sentences simultaneously.

Frequency of Use

The term “concurrently” is most commonly used in formal legal contexts, but it is also used in informal contexts to describe simultaneous events or actions.

Common Misspellings

• Concurantly
• Concurrentlys