The public was bewildered as to what Blake had done to deserve such a draconian sentence.

In doing so he has made clear that the decision to uphold these draconian sentences was not based on the facts of the actual case before him.

During the crack epidemic, Congress and the states imposed draconian mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses.

Stories about hellish conditions, draconian sentences, physical brutality and the neglect of rehabilitation saturate the news media.

The draconian sentence for blasphemy was, however, eventually reduced to a mere fine of £50 on appeal.

Does it make economic sense to mandate draconian minimum sentences?

What explains the overwhelming public reaction against the draconian sentence?

You are arguing that the draconian sentences handed out to students for minor public order offences were "justice"?

This statement was sufficiently subversive in Laos to incur a draconian sentence.

They were placed directly in the armed forces and court-martialed, receiving draconian sentences and harsh treatment.