- The Commission promulgates guidelines that judges consult when sentencing federal offenders. When the guidelines are amended, a subsequent Guidelines Manual is published.
- In this section, you will find the Commission’s comprehensive archive of yearly amendments and Guidelines Manuals dating back to 1987.
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Guidelines
The Federal Sentencing Guidelines
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Research
Research & Data MissionPublic Access to Commission Data and Documents
- The Commission collects, analyzes, and disseminates a broad array of information on federal crime and sentencing practices.
- In this section, you will find a comprehensive collection of research and data reports published on sentencing issues and other areas of federal crime.
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Policymaking
The Amendment CycleRules of Practice and Procedure
- The Commission establishes sentencing policies and practices for the federal courts. Each year, the Commission reviews and refines these policies in light of congressional action, decisions from courts of appeals, sentencing-related research, and input from the criminal justice community.
- In this section, you can follow the Commission’s work through the amendment cycle as priorities are set, research is performed, testimony is heard, and amendments are adopted.
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Education
Education Mission
- The Commission serves as an information resource for Congress, the executive branch, the courts, criminal justice practitioners, the academic community, and the public.
- In this section, you will find resources to assist you in understanding and applying the federal sentencing guidelines.
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About
About the Commission
- The U.S. Sentencing Commission is an independent agency in the judicial branch that was created as part of the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984. Commissioners are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. The Attorney General, or the Attorney General’s designee, and the Chair of the U.S. Parole Commission serve as ex officio, nonvoting members of the Commission.
- In this section, learn about the Commission’s mission, structure, and ongoing work.
- By Topic
