The Role of the United States Sentencing Commission in the Reform of Sentencing Procedures

Abstract

Professor, Oklahoma City University School of Law. authority to enact certain types of significant procedural reforms. Moreover, even if such authority exists, some commentators have suggested that alternative mecha nisms, such as formal amendment of applicable rules of evidence or procedure, or the adoption of additional pro cedural protections through interpretation of case law under the Constitution, Sentencing Reform Act or the Guidelines, might be superior to Commission action. In this essay, I argue that the Commission possesses the authority to enact reforms to sentencing procedures, and that it is well-positioned as a policy matter to evaluate proposals for such reforms.