[United States Government Manual]
[June 01, 2006]
[Pages 80-82]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



UNITED STATES SENTENCING COMMISSION

Suite 2-500, South Lobby, One Columbus Circle NE., Washington, DC 20002-
8002

Phone, 202-502-4500. Internet, www.ussc.gov.
Chair                                             Ricardo H. Hinojosa
Vice Chairs                                       Ruben Castillo, 
                                                          William K. 
                                                          Sessions III, 
                                                          John R. Steer
Commissioners                                     Beryl A. Howell, 
                                                          Michael E. 
                                                          Horowitz, 
                                                          (vacancy)
Commissioners (ex officio)                        Edward F. Reilly, Jr., 
                                                          Michael J. 
                                                          Elston
Staff Director                                    Judith W. Sheon
Deputy Staff Director                             Kenneth P. Cohen
General Counsel                                   (vacancy)
Public Affairs Officer                            Michael Courlander
Director of Administration and Planning           Susan L. Winarsky
Director and Chief Counsel of Training            Pamela G. Montgomery
Director of Legislative and Governmental Affairs  Lisa A. Rich, Acting

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Director of Monitoring                            J. Deon Haynes, Acting
Director of Policy Analysis                       Louis W. Reedt, Acting
Special Counsel                                   Janeeen M. Gaffney, 
                                                          Acting

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The United States Sentencing Commission develops sentencing guidelines 
and policies for the Federal court system.
The United States Sentencing Commission was established as an 
independent agency 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 guidelines and 
policies for the Federal courts, advising them as to the appropriate 
form and 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 
Chairperson.
    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 
consulted 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

Electronic Access  Commission information and materials may be obtained 
through the Internet, at www.ussc.gov.
Guideline Application Assistance Helpline  Phone, 202-502-4545.
Public Information  Information concerning Commission activities is 
available from the Office of Publishing and Public Affairs. Phone, 202-
502-4590.

For further information, contact the Office of Publishing and Public 
Affairs, United States Sentencing Commission, Suite 2-500, South Lobby, 
One Columbus Circle NE., Washington, DC 20002-8002. Phone, 202-502-4590. 
Internet, www.ussc.gov.

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