What agency developed the Federal Sentencing Guidelines (FSG)?

The Federal Sentencing Guidelines (FSG) were developed by the U.S. Sentencing Commission, which is an independent agency in the judicial branch of the federal government. The purpose of these guidelines is to provide a framework for sentencing in federal criminal cases, aiming to promote fairness and consistency in sentencing.

The creation of the FSG was motivated by a desire to standardize sentencing practices across different jurisdictions, reduce disparities, and offer judges some structured discretion when determining sentences. Over time, these guidelines have also had implications for corporate compliance and governance, as they outline factors that can influence the severity of penalties for organizations involved in criminal activities.

The role of the U.S. Sentencing Commission is critical, as it evaluates and revises the guidelines periodically to reflect changes in the law, societal standards, and feedback from judges and other stakeholders in the justice system. This ensures that the guidelines remain relevant and effective in achieving their objectives.