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Sentencing Law and Policy
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Might Congress move ahead with sound sentencing reforms?

By Douglas Berman

In the two-plus years since Booker, Congress has been remarkable quiet on the sentencing front.  Though there have been proposals for large and small sentencing reform from all quarters, Congress has shown relatively little interest in radically changing (or even seriously studying) post-Booker sentencing realities.

As documented here and here at FAMM, however, some members of Congress now appear interested in exploring possible sentencing reforms.  Specifically, later this month brings these two notable congressional events (as described by FAMM):

  • Summit on crime policy:  On June 21, FAMM president Julie Stewart will testify at a federal summit on crime policy, “Violent Crime — Prevention and Solutions from the Experts.”  The summit is hosted by Representative Robert C. “Bobby” Scott, Chairman, Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security House Judiciary Committee.
  • Hearing on mandatory sentences: On June 26 at 10:00 a.m., the Subcommittee on Crime Terrorism and Homeland Security of the House Judiciary committee is holding a hearing that relates to federal mandatory minimum sentencing laws.