Sentencing Guidelines

For two centuries, federal judges exercised wide discretion in criminal sentencing. In 1987 a complex bureaucratic apparatus termed Sentencing "Guidelines" was imposed on federal courts. FEAR OF JUDGING is the first full-scale history, analysis, and critique of the new sentencing regime, arguing that it sacrifices comprehensibility and common sense.

How do sentencing guidelines affect judicial practice? Can public opinion influence the development of these guidelines and what role does the victim have? How do barristers use the guidelines in practice? These questions and more are addressed in this volume examining the English sentencing guidelines and how they function.

Combines quantitative and qualitative data in a careful investigation of sentencing processes and context under Pennsylvania's sentencing guidelines.

"Project of the American Bar Association, Criminal Justice Standards Committee, Criminal Justice Section"--T.p. verso.

Incorporating guideline amendments effective November 1, 1995.