A sentencing judge who has before them evidence of an offender's mental disability is obliged to consider and apply the principles governing the sentencing of mentally ill offenders, regardless of whether specific submissions are made on those principles. Failure to do so constitutes appealable error. The assessment of objective seriousness must include consideration of the offender's mental state as relevant to moral culpability, and the absence of such assessment cannot be excused by the ex tempore nature of sentencing remarks.
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