"[S]entencing is probably the most important area of the law ... [but] it is also the least sound. Decisions are often made not on the basis of binding rules and principles, but rather according to the intuitive sentiments of sentencers ... [S]entencing law violates the rule of law virtues of consistency and fairness ... This paper outlines the theories of punishment which could underpin the sentencing system and thereby overcome many of the fundamental problems which currently exist ..." (Quoted from paper) (The paper is only available through the link)