Sentencing alternatives are options available to judges that provide alternatives to traditional incarceration. These alternatives can include community service, probation, or rehabilitation programs, allowing offenders to serve their sentences while remaining in the community under certain conditions. This approach aims to reduce prison overcrowding and promote rehabilitation. Another common sentencing alternative is restorative justice, which focuses on repairing the harm caused by the crime. This may involve mediation between the victim and the offender, encouraging accountability and understanding. Overall, these alternatives seek to balance punishment with opportunities for personal growth and community safety.