Journal Evidence Of Law
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025): Journal Evidence Of Law (Agustus)

Unlimited Discretion, Eroded Certainty: Reformulating Criminalization of Narcotics Crime in Indonesia

Arianti, Nofalinda (Unknown)
Maryano, Maryano (Unknown)
Rattanapun , Supot (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
10 Aug 2025

Abstract

Sentencing in narcotics crime cases in Indonesia remains problematic, particularly concerning legal certainty. The striking disparity in court decisions—despite similar legal facts—reflects the absence of standardized sentencing parameters. Furthermore, the wide scope of judicial discretion without objective guidelines increases the risk of injustice in criminal adjudication. This study aims to examine the realization of legal certainty in narcotics sentencing, analyze the role and limits of judicial discretion, and formulate the need for sentencing reform in Indonesia. Using a normative and empirical legal approach, the study analyzes 25 court verdicts and is supported by interviews with legal practitioners. The findings reveal that disparity and unregulated discretion contribute to systemic uncertainty in sentencing practices. Therefore, comprehensive reform is necessary, including binding sentencing guidelines, restricted judicial discretion, and strengthened rehabilitative approaches. This research contributes to the formulation of progressive criminal law reforms based on justice, proportionality, and predictability.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

JEL

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Law, Crime, Criminology & Criminal Justice

Description

Journal Evidence Of Law merupakan jurnal yang diterbitkan oleh CV. Era Digital Nusantara, terbit secara berkala 3 kali dalam 1 tahun sejak tahun 2022 pada bulan Januari, Mei dan Septemeber dengan ISSN Print: 2830-3350 , ISSN Online:2828-5301 berbahasa Indonesia dan berbahasa Inggris. Journal ...