Legal Definitions - Sentencing Reform Act of 1984

The Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 is a law created by the federal government to make punishments for federal crimes more consistent. This was done by forming a committee of federal judges and officials called the United States Sentencing Commission. The commission is responsible for creating guidelines that federal courts use to determine the appropriate punishment for a crime.

For example, if someone is convicted of a federal crime like drug trafficking, the judge will use the guidelines created by the United States Sentencing Commission to determine the appropriate sentence. The guidelines take into account factors like the severity of the crime, the defendant's criminal history, and other relevant factors.

The Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 was created to make sure that people who commit federal crimes are punished fairly and consistently. By using the guidelines created by the United States Sentencing Commission, judges can make sure that the punishment fits the crime.