Federal Judges Reflect on Sentencing

An increasing number of federal judges are publicly expressing dismay with federal sentencing policy. Critics express concern that mandatory minimums take much needed discretion away from judges. Reform advocates have also cited mandatory minimum sentences, particularly those for non-violent drug offenses—along with the sentencing guidelines—as contributing to the country’s mass incarceration crisis. Have the guidelines and mandatory minimums contributed to the explosive growth in the federal prison population over the past few decades? Do they achieve the goal of fairer, race-neutral sentencing, or exacerbate existing racial disparities? This panel will examine how judges engage these issues.

 

Speakers 

 

Kevin Ring, Vice President, Families Against Mandatory Minimums (moderator)

Hon. Lynn Adelman, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Wisconsin

Hon. P. Kevin Castel, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York

Hon. George J. Hazel, U.S. District Court, District of Maryland

Hon. Beryl Howell, Chief Judge, U.S. District Court, District of Columbia