Is structured sentencing a good idea or should judges be free to assign more personalized punishment?

I would argue that both of these types of sentencing have
their place.  For less serious crimes, it seems that "personalized" punishment would be
appropriate.  But for more serious crimes, more structured sentences seem
appropriate.

"Personalized" punishment is more appropriate
for instances in which the judge thinks the convict can be rehabilitated.  This should
be applied in cases like minor drug case, burglary cases, and other such non-violent
crimes.  Such sentences might help to rehabilitate the offenders and prevent them from
moving on to more serious crimes.

Once an offender has
committed a more serious crime, structured sentencing should be used.  A person who has
seriously harmed another is not a good candidate for alternative or "personalized"
sentencing.  Such people are too dangerous to make the risk
worthwhile.