Survey Reveals Little Change in Sentencing Habits After 'Booker'

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in United States v. Booker had some predicting that sentencing would become erratic and subject to the whims of an activist judiciary. But a recent survey shows that federal trial judges across the country have largely continued sentencing criminals within the federal guidelines. "I didn't say, 'Oh my God, the chains have been unshackled,'" said Texas U.S. District Judge Hayden Head, adding, "The guidelines still occupy a very central part of sentencing."

This article requires premium access

This article requires premium access to Law.com. Please sign in or subscribe to read the full text.