Indeterminate and Determinate Sentencing In California

In People v. Wright (1982) 30 Cal. 3d 705 [180 Cal. Rptr. 196, 639 P.2d 267], the Legislature first made the fundamental policy decision to change from a system of indeterminate sentencing to determinate sentences chosen from alternatives based on circumstances relating to the crime and the defendant. The Legislature then delegated to the Judicial Council the task of adopting rules establishing the circumstances for imposing upper or lower terms. the court found no improper delegation. ( Id. at p. 713.)