About
The U.S. Sentencing Commission is an independent agency in the judicial branch of government created by the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984. Congress enacted the SRA in response to widespread disparity in federal sentencing, ushering in a new era of federal sentencing through the creation of the Commission and the promulgation of federal sentencing guidelines.

 

Mission

The Commission's principal purposes are:

  1. to establish sentencing policies and practices for the federal courts, including guidelines to be consulted regarding the appropriate form and severity of punishment for offenders convicted of federal crimes;
  2. to advise and assist Congress and the executive branch in the development of effective and efficient crime policy; and
  3. to collect, analyze, research, and distribute a broad array of information on federal crime and sentencing issues, serving as an information resource for Congress, the executive branch, the courts, criminal justice practitioners, the academic community, and the public.
2015 Annual Report
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Map
The federal sentencing guidelines are used across the country in every one of the 94 judicial districts and 12 circuit courts. Federal judges are required to review and calculate the guidelines as they contemplate and impose an equitable sentence.
Geographic boundaries
of United States Court of Appeals and United States District Courts
Commissioners
Former Commissioners
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Acting Chair
JUDGE WILLIAM H. PRYOR, JR.
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Commissioner
MS. RACHEL BARKOW
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Ex-officio Commissioner
MS. MICHELLE MORALES
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Ex-officio Commissioner
MS. J. PATRICIA WILSON SMOOT
Organization
The Commission consists of seven voting members appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, each serving six-year terms. More Information.
Advisory Groups
The Commission is advised by four standing advisory groups representing the views of practitioners, probation officers, victims, and tribal lands. More Information.

 

News releases
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  • January 3, 2017

     

    U.S. Sentencing Commission announces Circuit Judge William H. Pryor, Jr. will serve as Acting Chair of the Commission. 

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  • December 9, 2016

     

    U.S. Sentencing Commission holds last public meeting of the current commission, proposes 2017 amendments to the federal sentencing guidelines. 

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  • August 18, 2016

     

    U.S. Sentencing Commission announces its list of 2016-2017 policy priorities. 

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