What does "sentencing" involve in a criminal case?

Sentencing in a criminal case refers to the process whereby a judicial authority imposes a criminal sanction on an individual who has been found guilty of a crime. This sanction can take various forms, including imprisonment, fines, community service, or probation, and is intended to serve multiple purposes such as punishment, deterrence, rehabilitation, and restitution to victims. The sentencing phase typically follows the trial or plea agreement where the conviction has been established, allowing the court to determine an appropriate penalty based on the severity of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, and any relevant laws or guidelines.

In contrast, other options focus on different legal processes. The agreement between parties to settle a dispute is related to civil law and negotiations rather than the criminal justice system. The process of jury selection pertains to the pre-trial phase of legal proceedings, which prepares for the trial itself. The initial filing of charges against a defendant occurs at the very start of criminal proceedings and precedes any trial or sentencing. Thus, the correct answer regarding what sentencing involves specifically relates to the judicial authority's role in determining the consequences faced by a convicted individual.