NCJ Number
196852
Date Published
2002
Length
64 pages
Annotation
This 2001 Annual Report of the activities and accomplishments of the U.S. Sentencing Commission describes the agency's varied research, training, and clearinghouse activities and presents information on Federal criminal cases sentenced under the guidelines in fiscal year 2001.
Abstract
The U.S. Sentencing Commission is an independent agency in the judicial branch of the Federal Government. Its primary responsibilities are to establish sentencing policies and practices for the Federal courts; to advise and assist Congress and the executive branch in the development of effective and efficient crime policy; and to collect, analyze, research, and distribute a broad array of information on Federal crime and sentencing issues. An agency overview focuses on the commissioners, organization, staffing, and budget and expenditures. A chapter on the sentencing guidelines presents the amendments promulgated and descriptions of the work of the policy teams on economic crimes; counterfeiting; money laundering; Sexual Predators Act; drug policy; and nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons. A chapter on legal issues reviews U.S. Supreme Court decisions on sentencing issues and decisions of the U.S. Courts of Appeals. Circuit conflicts regarding the sentencing guidelines are also discussed. Two chapters address guideline training and education along with research. Research findings are presented on the sentencing of individual offenders, organizational sentencing practices, and appeals data. 3 tables and 68 notes