What is the federal sentencing commission?

The Federal Sentencing Commission is a government agency within the United States Department of Justice. It was established by Congress in 1984 with the purpose of establishing federal sentencing guidelines and policies that would be used by courts for criminal offenders. These guidelines give guidance to prosecutors, defense attorneys, and sentencing judges when making sentencing decisions. The Federal Sentencing Commission sets a sentencing range for each crime, based on the offense level and the criminal history of the offender. This range is meant to ensure fair and uniform sentencing for similar criminal offenses committed by similar offenders nationwide. The Commission also provides federal judges with recommended sentences for specific types of offenses, as well as guidance on making more lenient or harsher sentences for those cases which do not fit the standard sentencing model. In addition to setting sentencing guidelines, the Federal Sentencing Commission also reviews criminal cases to ensure that sentences are fair and consistent, collects and studies sentencing data, and provides support to state and local governments in the development of crime prevention and rehabilitation programs. In New Mexico, the Commission has advised state and local law enforcement agencies on the implementation of federal sentencing guidelines. The Commission is also active in public outreach programs, providing resources to help people understand the U.S. criminal justice system and the impact of federal sentencing guidelines.

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