LAWS3356 · Law

Sentencing Law and Policy

Boston College Law School

This course will address sentencing law, policy, and procedure - with an emphasis on the federal criminal justice system. Reading and classroom discussion will focus on governing constitutional doctrines and the statutory framework of sentencing, including the function and application of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. The class will consider the role of the jury, sentencing courts, the prosecutor, defense counsel, plea-bargaining practices, mandatory minimum sentences, special issues in sentencing for economic crimes, and alternatives to incarceration. Students will also explore the unique constitutional and procedural issues that are present in cases where the death penalty is a possible sentence. From a policy perspective, the course will study the phenomenon of mass incarceration and the role of race, gender and economic status in the evolution and application of federal and state sentencing law.