Reference no: EM134023066
Imagine you are a criminal justice professional working at the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Overcrowding at your facilities has always been a concern, and you are looking for ways to reduce it. A recent report from the U.S. Sentencing Commission disclosed significant differences in how some populations are sentenced to federal prison, and you believe you can work to address both overcrowding and disparate treatment. The sentencing commission has asked you to prepare an outline of talking points that will be discussed at an upcoming meeting of the commission. This white paper will present the bureau's position on revising sentencing guidelines in order to reduce disparities in sentencing.
Assignment Preparation
Read the "Demographic Differences in Federal Sentencing" report from the U.S. Sentencing Commission (USSC) to learn about key findings regarding disparities in federal court sentencing. You may also review related concepts in Business Laws to better understand the legal framework surrounding sentencing policies.
Assignment Deliverable
Write a 525- to 700-word outline that presents the disparities in federal sentencing.
Address the following in your outline:
Discuss the impact that overcrowding has on the prison system.
Describe how longer prison sentences for some populations can lead to disagreements among prison populations.
Identify factors that may contribute to disparate sentencing, such as mandatory minimum sentences, implicit bias, and socioeconomic factors.
Discuss the long-term effects that sentencing disparities have on communities and individual defendants.
Provide at least 3 recommendations that will help lead to a reduction in disparate sentences, thereby reducing overcrowding. When discussing fairness in sentencing, you may also reference principles related to Rawls Theory of Justice where appropriate.
Cite at least 2 peer-reviewed articles, law reviews, examples of case law, or similar scholarly sources. Format your citations and references according to APA guidelines.
Submit your assignment.
Assignment Support
Review the following resources for writing guidelines and APA information:
Center for Writing Excellence
Reference and Citation Generator
Grammar Assistance