the Federal Sentencing Commission

The Federal Sentencing Commission is an independent agency that develops guidelines to determine appropriate penalties for federal crimes. Its goal is to promote consistency and fairness in sentencing across the federal justice system. The commission reviews and updates sentencing policies, considering factors like the severity of the crime and the defendant’s criminal history. These guidelines assist judges in making informed, proportionate sentencing decisions, helping to ensure that similar offenses receive similar punishments. The commission’s work supports the goal of a transparent, equitable, and efficient federal criminal justice process.