Number: RL32766
Title: Federal Sentencing Guidelines: Background, Legal Analysis, and Policy Options
Authors: Lisa M. Seghetti, Domestic Social Policy Division; Alison M. Smith, American Law Division 
Abstract: This report provides a legal analysis of the Court rulings leading up to and including Booker, as well as subsequent rulings. The report then provides background information on the federal sentencing guidelines. In doing so, the report provides a summary of U.S. penal policy, paying particular attention to such policy at the federal level. The report then discusses legislation enacted in 1984 that created the current federal sentencing structure. Next, the different types of sentencing guidelines, including the one that was approved by Congress that was the basis for the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, are discussed. The report then provides an analysis of departures from the guidelines under the federal system. The report concludes with an analysis of possible policy options Congress may wish to consider if it chooses to address this issue.
Pages: 21
Date: December 13, 2007