Tag: Supreme Court

Post-Chevron: The End of Sentencing Guidelines: A New Era for Justice

Posted on by Darren Kramer

In their thought-provoking guest article in Law 360, “Post-Chevron, Good Riddance to the Sentencing Guidelines,” co-authors Mark Allenbaugh, Doug Passon, and Alan Ellis dive deep into the implications of the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo. This landmark case has effectively dismantled the long-standing Chevron doctrine, which traditionally granted deference to agency interpretations of ambiguous statutes.

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Sentencing Reform Advocates Hail Landmark Acquitted Conduct Amendment to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines

Posted on by Darren Kramer

Washington, D.C. – In a major victory for sentencing reform advocates, the U.S. Sentencing Commission has amended the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines to preclude the consideration of acquitted conduct at sentencing. This amendment, which goes into effect on August 1, 2024, marks a significant step towards a more constitutional and equitable sentencing system.

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Does Pulsifer pulverize sentencing reform?

Posted on by Darren Kramer

The Supreme Court made a decision in Pulsifer v. United States that significantly narrowed the reach of the “safety valve” provision, which allows for reduced sentences in federal drug offenses, undermining recent efforts by Congress to mitigate the harshness of mandatory minimum sentences. The majority’s interpretation, as described by Justice Elena Kagan, restricts the eligibility

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