Holder Memo Calls for Flexibility in Charging, Sentencing

Attorney General Eric Holder Jr. this month issued new guidance to federal prosecutors in a memo that was submitted to the U.S. Sentencing Commission for a Thursday hearing. The May 19 guidance comes amid the Justice Department's ongoing policy review focusing on disparities in sentencing and excesses in mandatory-minimum sentencing. A U.S. Attorney who spoke at Thursday's hearing said the DOJ supports a "limited and judicious use" of mandatory sentencing. Most mandatory minimums are applied in drug and firearms cases.

This article requires premium access

This article requires free registration to The National Law Journal. Please sign in or register to read the full text.