18 U.S.C. § 3553

18 U.S.C. § 3553 outlines the factors a judge must consider when determining a sentence for a federal crime. This includes the nature and circumstances of the offense, the defendant's history and characteristics, the need for the sentence to reflect the seriousness of the crime, to deter future crime, and to protect the public. The judge is also instructed to consider the guidelines set by the Sentencing Commission, but they have discretion to impose a sentence that fits the uniqueness of each case while ensuring fairness and justice.