Federal Firearms Policy and Mandatory Sentencing

Abstract

the most legislative attention, however, calls on the Attorney General to support or propose legislation requiring a mandatory sentence for the use of a firearm in the commission of a federal felony.' This policy, as the commentary on the recommendation points out, is widely supported by the public and the police, and clearly meets the Task Force's three criteria for sensible policy in this area.2 There are at least five reasons why a mandatory sentencing policy is especially attractive. First, since it applies only when a firearm is used in the commission of a felony, it does not impose any restrictions on law-