People v. Babcock

*251Markman, J.

We granted leave to appeal in this case to consider whether the trial court articulated a substantial and compelling reason, as required under MCL 769.34(3), to justify its downward departure from the statutory sentencing guidelines. The Court of Appeals concluded that the trial court did not abuse its discretion in departing from the guidelines and, thus, affirmed defendant’s sentence. The Court of Appeals concluded that some of the trial court’s reasons for departing from the statutory sentencing guidelines were not objective and verifiable and, therefore, not substantial and…