In legal contexts, specifically concerning criminal justice, the term describes a method of serving multiple sentences. This means an individual convicted of several offenses serves the punishments for each crime simultaneously. For example, if a defendant receives a five-year sentence for robbery and a three-year sentence for assault, and the judge orders these to run in this manner, the individual will serve a maximum of five years, with both sentences being fulfilled at the same time.
This sentencing approach can lead to a shorter overall period of incarceration compared to consecutive sentencing, where each penalty is served one after the other. The decision to impose it often considers various factors, including the severity of the crimes, the defendant’s criminal history, and the potential for rehabilitation. This type of sentence recognizes that the defendant’s actions, though involving multiple offenses, may stem from a single criminal episode or share a common underlying motivation. Its application reflects a balance between punishment and the possibility of reintegration into society.
