NCJ Number
90184
Date Published
1983
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This statement outlines the Administration's Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1983 and proposes ways for improving Federal prison conditions.
Abstract
The Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1983 proposes reform of those aspects of Federal criminal law that have been the greatest obstacles to crime reduction. The act proposes legislation that would provide Federal courts with authority to deny release on bail if such release would pose a danger to the community, and reforms are included that would provide for more uniform sentencing by Federal judges. A sentencing commission to create guidelines for Federal judges is proposed. Other aspects of the bill are a uniform, determinate sentencing system, Government and defendant appeal of sentences outside the guidelines, and a restructuring of the range of criminal fines and probation conditions. The exclusionary rule is also modified to permit the admissibility of evidence obtained by police in the belief and good faith that their actions were legal. These proposals will result in the incarceration of more criminals, thus increasing the pressure on an already overcrowded prison system. Ways to deal with overcrowding and attendant problems include the institution of inmate administrative grievance procedures, increased funding for prison construction, the conversion of Federal surplus properties to prison facilities, the better use of space in existing facilities, and the use of alternatives to incarceration for certain offenders.