Using fiscal year 2016 data, this publication provides sentencing data on offenses carrying drug mandatory minimums, the impact on the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) population, and differences observed when analyzing each of five main drug types. In addition to reporting general data regarding the use of mandatory minimum penalties, the Commission also analyzed the functions performed by drug offenders as part of their offenses. This function analysis provides a more complete profile of federal drug offenders and examines the use and impact of mandatory minimum penalties on offenders with differing levels of culpability.
Related topical article Commonwealth Politics, Ideas & Civic Life in Massachusetts --Criminal Justice section by Michael Jonas, Executive Editor, February 20, 2017
Headline: Sentencing commission backs repeal of mandatory minimums Votes add to push for more sweeping criminal justice reform
Headline: Jeff Sessions Reinvigorates the Drug War The U.S. attorney general is bringing back the harshest sentences for low-level drug offenses, rejecting Obama-era reforms
