[United States Government Manual]
[May 31, 1996]
[Pages 83-85]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


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UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION

Suite 2-500, South Lobby, One Columbus Circle NE., Washington, DC 20002-
8002
Phone, 202-273-4500
Chairman                                         Richard P. Conaboy
Vice Chairmen                                    Michael S. Gelacak
                                                 A. David Mazzone
Commissioners                                    Wayne A. Budd, Julie E. 
                                                     Carnes, Michael 
                                                     Goldsmith, Deanell 
                                                     R. Tacha
Commissioners (ex officio)                       Mary Frances 
                                                     Harkenrider
                                                 Edward F. Reilly, Jr.
Staff Director                                   Phyllis J. Newton
Deputy Staff Director                            Paul K. Martin
General Counsel                                  John R. Steer
Director of Training and Technical Assistance    Sharon O. Henegan
Special Projects Director                        Paul Hofer
Principal Technical Advisor                      Judith Sheon
Director of Administration                       Mary G. Hogya
Director of Policy Analysis                      Susan Katzenelson
Director of Monitoring                           Elizabeth A. McGrath
Executive Assistant to the Chairman              Timothy B. McGrath
Chief Deputy General Counsel                     Donald A. Purdy, Jr.
Legislative Counsel                              Winthrop M. Swenson
Deputy Director of Training and Technical        Susan Winarsky
    Assistance
________________________________________________________________________
The United States Sentencing Commission develops sentencing policies and 
practices for the Federal criminal justice system.
The United States Sentencing Commission was established as an 
independent commission in the judicial branch of the Federal Government 
by the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984 (28 U.S.C. 991 et seq. and 18 
U.S.C. 3551 et seq.). The Commission establishes sentencing policies and 
practices for the Federal courts, including guidelines prescribing the 
appropriate form and

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severity of punishment for offenders convicted of Federal crimes.
    The Commission is composed of seven voting members appointed by the 
President with the advice and consent of the Senate for 6-year terms, 
and two nonvoting members. One of the voting members is appointed 
Chairman.
    The Commission evaluates the effects of the sentencing guidelines on 
the criminal justice system, advises Congress regarding the modification 
or enactment of statutes relating to criminal law and sentencing 
matters, establishes a research and development program on sentencing 
issues, and performs other related duties.
    In executing its duties, the Commission promulgates and distributes 
to Federal courts and to the U.S. Probation System guidelines to be used 
in determining sentences to be imposed in criminal cases, general policy 
statements regarding the application of guidelines, and policy 
statements on the appropriate use of probation and supervised release 
revocation provisions. These sentencing guidelines and policy statements 
are designed to further the purposes of just punishment, deterrence, 
incapacitation, and rehabilitation; provide fairness in meeting the 
purposes of sentencing; avoid unwarranted disparity; and reflect 
advancement in the knowledge of human behavior as it relates to the 
criminal justice process.
    In addition, the Commission provides training, conducts research on 
sentencing-related issues, and serves as an information resource for 
Congress, criminal justice practitioners, and the public.

Sources of Information

Judges and Probation Officers Technical Assistance Service  Phone, 202-
273-4545 (hotline).
Prosecuting and Defense Attorneys  Phone, 202-273-4527 (hotline).
Public Information  Information concerning the Commission's activities 
is available from the Office of Communications. Phone, 202-273-4590.
    Commission information and materials may also be obtained 
electronically. Electronic bulletin board by modem, 202-273-4709. 
Internet, http://www.ussc.gov/.

For further information, contact the Office of Communications, United 
States Sentencing Commission, Suite 2-500, South Lobby, One Columbus 
Circle NE., Washington, DC 20002-8002. Phone, 202-273-4590.