Final answer:
Sentencing authorities having discretion aligns with the positive school of criminology, which focuses on individual circumstances and seeks to rehabilitate rather than just punish criminals.
Step-by-step explanation:
The philosophy that emphasizes giving sentencing authorities discretion likely reflects the ideas of the d) positive school of criminology. This branch of criminology focuses on understanding the individual circumstances and factors that contribute to criminal behavior, including psychological, biological, and social factors.
Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach to sentencing, the positive school advocates for personalized interventions and rehabilitation efforts that consider the unique situation of each offender, with the aim of reducing recidivism and providing opportunities for reform.
Contrastly, the absolute school of criminology is more rigid in its approach, often favoring fixed sentences without regard for individual circumstances. A criminal justice system that is influenced by the positive school may exhibit greater flexibility and focus on rehabilitation, aiming to address the root causes of criminal behavior as opposed to simply punishing the act.