What is a sentence?

• A. A consequence for a crime, such as imprisonment, determined by a court
• B. A spoken remark by a judge
• C. A probation period
• D. A specific crime

Answer: (A)

In this context, a sentence means the punishment a court imposes after a person is found guilty of a crime. It is the consequence prescribed by law for the offense, such as imprisonment, fines, probation, or community service. That’s why the best choice describes it as a consequence for a crime determined by a court. A spoken remark by a judge is what the judge says in court, not the punishment itself. A probation period is a possible form of sentence but not the broad definition. A specific crime is the act committed, not the punishment.