What is the term used for a lengthening of a sentence due to prior convictions of a defendant?

The correct answer is enhancement sentences. This term refers specifically to a judicial practice where a defendant's sentence is increased due to past convictions or prior criminal history. In many jurisdictions, including Mississippi, the legal system allows for sentences to be enhanced based on previous offenses, which aims to reflect the defendant's ongoing criminal behavior and deter recidivism.

Enhancement sentences serve as a way for the judicial system to impose stricter penalties on repeat offenders, indicating a recognition that individuals with prior convictions may have a greater propensity to commit further crimes. This approach underscores the philosophy that sentences should be proportionate not only to the current offense but also to the defendant's overall criminal background.

In contrast, indeterminate sentences allow for a range of time that a defendant may serve, mandatory sentences impose fixed terms without consideration of the offender's history, and suspended sentences involve delaying punishment under specific conditions. Each of these options represents different sentencing philosophies and approaches that do not directly relate to the concept of increasing a sentence due to prior convictions.