Topics in Federal Sentencing Law

This group will explore questions concerning the direction of federal sentencing in a quasi mandatory, quasi advisory sentencing system. Where do drug courts fit into the punitive federal scheme? What is the evolving role of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, now that Guidelines no longer have “the force of law.”? What are the implications for the division of labor among sentencing institutions? We will also exam particular issues – computer crime (the Shwartz case), pornography, and the so called “drug war.”

Prerequisite: Course enrollment is by permission of the faculty.