Federal Sentencing Guidelines (From The Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984: Contemporary Federal Criminal Practice, V 1, P 486.1-486.61, 1988, B. James George, Jr. -- See NCJ-119239)

• NCJ Number: 119250
• Author(s): B J George Jr
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 61 pages
• Sale Source: Prentice Hall Law and Business
• Publication Type: Legislation/Policy Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This chapter discusses in detail the Federal Sentencing Guidelines developed by the United States Sentencing Commission, a body authorized by the Federal Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984.

Abstract

The Sentencing Guidelines, which entered into force on November 1, 1987, embrace every aspect of the criminal sentence process: plea agreements, probation and split sentences, multiple count convictions, and regulatory offenses. Constitutional questions relating to the work of the Commission and the guidelines are discussed. By studying sentencing ranges, the Commission was able to develop a sentencing table, which is at the center of its system and is used to determine sentences under the guidelines. Another important aid to judges is a checklist for Federal judges to use in assessing sentences in Federal cases. Offense conduct and adjustments to basic offense levels are discussed in detail, as are a defendant's criminal history and livelihood. Sentencing procedures affecting all cases are also discussed. Additionally, the Commission has developed policies relating to violations of probation and supervised release. 391 footnotes.