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 法律翻译Fang,毕业于新加坡知名法学院,专注翻译各类与白领犯罪与调查有关的法律文件。