Justice Department Asks For Reduced Sentences for Less Serious Drug Offenders
As prison populations swell, the Justice Department is seeking sentencing changes that would keep tough penalties for violent and repeat drug offenses, but provide reduced or alternative sentences for less serious offenders. The U.S. Sentencing Commission is an independent government agency that sets sentencing policies for the federal courts. Each year, the commission reviews the guidelines and may act to change them. Federal law requires the Justice Department’s criminal division to submit a report assessing the guidelines and recommending changes.