### Question
How does the law define graduated sanctions?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 3797aa*, **graduated sanctions** is defined as:

> an accountability-based graduated series of sanctions (including incentives, treatments, and services) applicable to mentally ill offenders within both the juvenile and adult justice system to hold individuals accountable for their actions and to protect communities by providing appropriate sanctions for inducing law-abiding behavior and preventing subsequent involvement in the criminal justice system

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 3797aa*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 46-JUSTICE SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT > SUBCHAPTER XIX-ADULT AND JUVENILE COLLABORATION PROGRAM GRANTS**

