Which of the following is an example of a mitigating factor in sentencing?

• A. A new or reduced degree of culpability due to remorse or early guilty plea.
• B. The victim's financial status.
• C. The defendant's wealth and social status.
• D. The media's portrayal of the case.

Answer: (A)

Mitigating factors are elements that reduce the defendant’s moral blameworthiness and can lead to a lighter sentence. Showing genuine remorse or entering an early guilty plea signals to the court that the person recognizes the harm caused and is taking responsibility, which can justify a more lenient punishment. These factors help tailor punishment to the actual level of culpability.

The other aspects listed aren’t about the defendant’s blameworthiness: the victim’s financial status, the defendant’s wealth or social status, or how the case is portrayed in the media don’t reflect reduced culpability in a way that a court would use to lessen sentencing.