In sentencing for manslaughter by criminal negligence, the extent of departure from reasonable community standards is a major factor, and the absence of intention to harm — while relevant — does not diminish the gravity of an extremely grave departure. Exercising the right to trial does not necessarily negate remorse as a mitigating factor, particularly where the trial involved a genuine question about the quality of the conduct, but the mitigating benefit of an early guilty plea is lost. A substantial custodial sentence is warranted as a deterrent where objectively dangerous conduct is pursued in the name of religious or spiritual beliefs.
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