NCJ Number
191674
Editor(s)
Michael Courlander
Date Published
2001
Length
57 pages
Annotation
The 2000 Annual Report describes the activities and accomplishments of the United States Sentencing Commission.
Abstract
The Annual Report of the United States Sentencing Commission describes the agency’s varied research, training, and clearinghouse activities and provides information on Federal criminal cases sentenced under the guidelines in fiscal year 2000. The United States Sentencing Commission is an independent agency in the judicial branch of government. It principal purposes are: (1) to establish sentencing policies and practices for the federal courts, including guidelines prescribing the appropriate form and severity of punishment for offenders convicted of federal crimes; (2) to advise and assist Congress and the executive branch in the development of effective and efficient crime policy; and (3) to collect, analyze, research, and distribute a broad array of information of Federal crime and sentencing issues, serving as an information resource for Congress, the executive branch, the courts, criminal justice practitioners, the academic community, and the public. Chapter 1 of the annual report provides a brief overview of Federal sentencing reform. This chapter also includes an agency overview (commissioners, organization, staffing, and budget and expenditures). Chapter 2 includes information on sentencing guidelines and policy teams. Chapter 3 reviews legal issues (U.S. Supreme Court decisions on sentencing issues and decisions by the U.S. Court of Appeals). Chapter 4 offers information on guideline training and education. Chapter 5 examines the Commission’s numerous research responsibilities.