Impact of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines

• NCJ Number: 107542
• Author(s): M K Block; W M Rhodes
• Date Published: 1987
• Length: 8 pages
• Sponsoring Agency: US Dept of Justice NIJ Pub
• Corporate Author: National Institute of Justice (NIJ)
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/; NCJRS Photocopy Services
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: National Institute of Justice Research in Action, Reprinted from NIJ Reports, SNI 205, (September 1987), P 1-8

Annotation

The Federal sentencing guidelines, established by the U.S. Sentencing Commission, will import in five major areas.

Abstract

'Straight' probationary sentences (i.e. sentences that require no form of confinement) will be reduced significantly. Probationary sentences will decline dramatically for serious crimes, such as drug offenses and crimes against persons. For crimes like property offenses, the proportion of sentences involving some form of probation will not change appreciably. Average time served for violent offenses will increase substantially, and Federal prison populations will grow markedly by the end of this century, but not directly as a result of the guidelines. A history of sentencing guidelines and questions answered by the Sentencing Commission Chairman are included. 3 figures.