penalty phaseglossary / PENALTY PHASE penalty phase. The part of a criminal trial in which the fact-finder determines the punishment for a defendant who has been found guilty. — Also termed sentencing phase. Cf. GUILT PHASE. 词条贡献者 双语律师Lorna,国际知名商学院金融专业,擅长翻译涉及金融创新和金融科技领域的法律文件。