Indiana Code 35-32-1-1. Construction of title

Sec. 1. This title shall be construed in accordance with its general purposes, to:

(1) secure simplicity in procedure;

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Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.

(2) insure fairness of administration including the elimination of unjustifiable delay;

(3) insure the effective apprehension and trial of persons accused of offenses;

(4) provide for the just determination of every criminal proceeding by a fair and impartial trial and adequate review;

(5) reduce crime by promoting the use of evidence based best practices for rehabilitation of offenders in a community setting;

(6) keep dangerous offenders in prison by avoiding the use of scarce prison space for nonviolent offenders;

(7) give judges maximum discretion to impose sentences based on a consideration of all the circumstances related to the offense;

(8) maintain proportionality of penalties across the criminal code, with like sentences for like crimes;

(9) make the lengths of sentences served by offenders more certain for victims; and

(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.