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 译者玉晶,毕业于世界顶级翻译学院,擅长翻译各种与风险投资相关的法律文件。