The Impact of Mandatory Minimum Penalties in Federal Sentencing

The U. S. Sentencing Commission’s examination of the effects of mandatory sentencing is very timely and will be of great benefit to both policymakers and practitioners.

While the Commission’s 1991 report on these issues was quite valuable, much has changed in the interim and there is now more than two decades of experience with these penalties. In addition, congressional action regarding cocaine sentencing issues and Senator Webb’s proposed commission to study the criminal justice system indicate that sentencing issues are now in a period of reexamination, and so the field will benefit from a comprehensive assessment of current policies.

In this article published in Judicature, Marc Mauer examines two issues regarding mandatory sentencing: First, what effect have federal mandatory minimum penalties had on public safety? And second, to what extent have these penalties exacerbated existing racial disparities within the criminal justice system?

To read the article, download the PDF below.