This title shall be construed in accordance with its general purposes, to:

1. (1) secure simplicity in procedure;
2. (2) insure fairness of administration including the elimination of unjustifiable delay;
3. (3) insure the effective apprehension and trial of persons accused of offenses;
4. (4) provide for the just determination of every criminal proceeding by a fair and impartial trial and adequate review;
5. (5) reduce crime by promoting the use of evidence based best practices for rehabilitation of offenders in a community setting;
6. (6) keep dangerous offenders in prison by avoiding the use of scarce prison space for nonviolent offenders;
7. (7) give judges maximum discretion to impose sentences based on a consideration of all the circumstances related to the offense;
8. (8) maintain proportionality of penalties across the criminal code, with like sentences for like crimes;
9. (9) make the lengths of sentences served by offenders more certain for victims; and

10. (10) preserve the public welfare and secure the fundamental rights of individuals.

    As added by Acts 1981, P.L.298, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.168-2014, SEC.52.