On April 19, 2010, the United States Sentencing Commission announced sweeping changes to the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines that will dramatically affect the day-to-day work of litigants, judges, and probation officers in the federal criminal justice system.1 Of the nine principal amendments, most are intended (and are likely) to reduce applicable sentencing ranges and the overall severity of the guidelines.2
These changes contrast sharply with virtually all amendments adopted since the guidelines’ inception, which generally have increased sentencing ranges and sentencing severity. Once effective, these amendments will bring the guidelines closer in line with the reality of sentencing practice after United States v. Booker3 and the spirit of the recently enacted Second Chance Act.4 Thus, they may reflect a tangible—and perhaps enduring—change in the focus and direction of the commission’s work.
Sentencing After ‘Booker’
This content has been archived. It is available through our partners, LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law.
To view this content, please continue to their sites.
Not a Lexis Subscriber?
Subscribe Now
Not a Bloomberg Law Subscriber?
Subscribe Now
LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law are third party online distributors of the broad collection of current and archived versions of ALM's legal news publications. LexisNexis® and Bloomberg Law customers are able to access and use ALM's content, including content from the National Law Journal, The American Lawyer, Legaltech News, The New York Law Journal, and Corporate Counsel, as well as other sources of legal information.
For questions call 1-877-256-2472 or contact us at [email protected]
