Sentencing Reform Act of 1983

Summary

Sentencing Reform Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal criminal code to establish a Committee on Sentencing Guidelines (Committee) within the Judicial Conference of the United States. Directs the Committee to recommend sentencing guidelines to the Judicial Conference. Requires the Judicial Conference to prescribe sentencing guidelines for Federal courts to use in determining appropriate sentences. States that the purpose of such guidelines is to: (1) promote fairness and certainty in sentencing; (2) eliminate unwarranted disparity in sentencing; and (3) improve the administration of justice. Provides that guidelines shall take into account the nature and circumstances of the offense and the history and characteristics of the defendant. Requires the Court to impose a sentence within the guidelines unless the court finds that for the purpose of this sentencing scheme it would be best to depart from such guidelines. Requires the court to hold a hearing to receive any information necessary to assist the court in the sentencing decision. Allows the defendant and counsel opportunity to address the court. Provides for the disclsoure of the presentence report a reasonable time before the hearing. Directs the court when imposing a sentence to state the specific reasons for imposing a particular sentence and specify the applicable guidelines. Permits the reconsideration of sentences of certain offenders when a guideline is amended in the direction of leniency. Authorizes appellate review of sentences. Allows either party to an appeal on the grounds that the sentence resulted from the incorrect application of the guidelines or that it was imposed in violation of the sentencing procedures or in violation of the Constitution or laws of the United States. Revises the parole procedures. Repeals the criminal provisions in the Narcotic Addict Rehabilitation Act. Amends the Federal Youth Corrections Act to eliminate the indeterminate sentence. Deletes language in the Juvenile Delinquency Act that indicates that juvenile delinquents are to be released on parole under the same criteria that are currently applied to adults. Revises procedures regarding release pending appeal of a sentence. Amends the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure to provide for a delay of ten days in the entry of judgment after a sentence has been announced.

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Timeline

1. 24 May 1983

   Introduced

   Introduced in House

   Source: IntroReferral

2. 24 May 1983

   Introduced

   Referred to House Committee on The Judiciary.

   Source: IntroReferral

3. 24 May 1983

   Introduced

   Introduced in House

   Source: IntroReferral

4. 1 June 1983

   Referred

   Referred to Subcommittee on Criminal Justice.

   Source: Committee

5. 22 February 1984

   Committee

   Subcommittee Hearings Held.

   Source: Committee

6. 29 February 1984

   Committee

   Subcommittee Hearings Held.

   Source: Committee

7. 21 March 1984

   Committee

   Subcommittee Hearings Held.

   Source: Committee

8. 4 April 1984

   Committee

   Subcommittee Hearings Held.

   Source: Committee

9. 12 April 1984

   Committee

   Subcommittee Hearings Held.

   Source: Committee

10. 3 May 1984

    Committee

    Subcommittee Hearings Held.

    Source: Committee

11. 9 May 1984

    Committee

    Subcommittee Hearings Held.

    Source: Committee

12. 10 May 1984

    Committee

    Subcommittee Hearings Held.

    Source: Committee

13. 7 June 1984

    Committee

    Subcommittee Hearings Held.

    Source: Committee

14. 12 October 1984

    Committee

    See H.J.Res.648.

    Source: Committee

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

No version snapshots stored. Document URLs remain at the source.

Documents

1 official file

• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 24 May 1983

  Open at official source

Sponsors

• Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10] · D · Sponsor
• · hsju00 · Standing

Related records

• related to → A joint resolution making continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 1985, and for other purposes.
• related to ← Sentencing Reform Act of 1983