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Terence,毕业于欧洲顶尖的高级翻译学院,专注翻译各类与房地产与土地使用诉讼有关的法律文件。