- Guidelines
The Federal Sentencing Guidelines
- The Commission promulgates guidelines that judges consult when sentencing federal offenders. When the guidelines are amended, a subsequent Guidelines Manual is published.
- In this section, you will find the Commission’s comprehensive archive of yearly amendments and Guidelines Manuals dating back to 1987.
- Research
RESEARCH & DATA MISSION
- The Commission collects, analyzes, and disseminates a broad array of information on federal crime and sentencing practices.
- In this section, you will find a comprehensive collection of research and data reports published on sentencing issues and other areas of federal crime.
- Policymaking
The Amendment Cycle
- The Commission establishes sentencing policies and practices for the federal courts. Each year, the Commission reviews and refines these policies in light of congressional action, decisions from courts of appeals, sentencing-related research, and input from the criminal justice community.
- In this section, you can follow the Commission’s work through the amendment cycle as priorities are set, research is performed, testimony is heard, and amendments are adopted.
- Education
Education Mission
- The Commission serves as an information resource for Congress, the executive branch, the courts, criminal justice practitioners, the academic community, and the public.
- In this section, you will find resources to assist you in understanding and applying the federal sentencing guidelines.
- About
About the Commission
- The U.S. Sentencing Commission is an independent agency in the judicial branch that was created as part of the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984. Commissioners are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Attorney General, or the Attorney General’s designee, and the Chair of the U.S. Parole Commission serve as ex officio, nonvoting members of the Commission.
- In this section, learn about the Commission’s mission, structure, and ongoing work.
- By Topic
I am a legal expert with a deep understanding of the U.S. Sentencing Commission and federal sentencing guidelines. My expertise is grounded in a thorough knowledge of the Commission's history, structure, and functions. I've closely followed the annual amendments, Guidelines Manuals, and the overall evolution of federal sentencing policies.
The U.S. Sentencing Commission, established in 1984 under the Sentencing Reform Act, plays a pivotal role in shaping sentencing policies for federal courts. The Commission comprises nominated and Senate-confirmed commissioners, including ex officio members such as the Attorney General and the Chair of the U.S. Parole Commission.
Let's delve into the concepts and resources mentioned in the provided article:
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Guidelines Manual and Amendments:
- The Commission promulgates guidelines that federal judges consult during the sentencing of federal offenders.
- The Guidelines Manual is periodically amended, with subsequent manuals published. The archive dates back to 1987, providing a comprehensive record of amendments.
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Research and Data Reports:
- The Commission collects, analyzes, and disseminates information on federal crime and sentencing practices.
- Research and data reports, including the 2022 Sourcebook, offer insights into sentencing issues and broader areas of federal crime.
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Amendment Cycle:
- The Commission engages in an annual amendment cycle, refining sentencing policies based on congressional action, court decisions, research, and input from the criminal justice community.
- The Amendment In Brief section provides a concise overview of the Commission's work during the amendment cycle.
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Education Mission:
- The Commission serves as an information resource for various stakeholders, including Congress, the executive branch, courts, practitioners, academics, and the public.
- Resources such as training products, decision trees, eLearning, podcasts, primers, and videos assist in understanding and applying federal sentencing guidelines.
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Case Law Resources:
- The Commission provides resources on Supreme Court cases, case law updates, and a glossary of sentencing terms.
- Problem-Solving Court Resources offer additional support for addressing specific sentencing challenges.
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About the Commission:
- The U.S. Sentencing Commission is an independent agency in the judicial branch, created under the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984.
- The Commission's mission, structure, and ongoing work, including information on commissioners, former commissioners, and advisory groups, are detailed in this section.
This overview underscores the Commission's multifaceted role in policymaking, research, education, and providing valuable resources for understanding and implementing federal sentencing guidelines. If you have specific questions or seek further clarification on any aspect, feel free to ask.
