Law enforcement officials credited crime-prevention programs, anti-gun campaigns, more police on the street, tougher sentencing and a healthy economy producing jobs.

Sets the minimum sentence for fraudulent documents at 10 years, fines, or both, with tougher sentencing in cases of aiding drug trafficking and terrorism.

There has been relatively little public debate about the cost of tougher sentencing in California.

Criminologists say the question of whether tough sentencing depresses the crime rate is unanswerable, although the consensus is that it does not.

As a judge on the Superior Court he heard cases in two counties and was noted for his tough sentencing.

But delegates reacted favourably to calls for tougher sentencing, with proper life terms.

In criminal cases, she gained a reputation for tough sentencing and was not viewed as a pro-defense judge.

Tony Blair, the shadow home secretary, has boldly set a new agenda, conceding the need for tough sentencing for persistent offenders.

But he should show some flexibility on his demands for tougher sentencing at a time when it is becoming increasingly expensive to run the existing prison system.

A prison expansion plan has begun and tougher sentencing for criminals is in place.