LAW 384 - Sentencing Law

This course will explore the law that governs sentencing criminal defendants, with particular emphasis on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines. Students will analyze federal statutes, caselaw, and the complex federal sentencing guidelines that guide judges in determining the appropriate sentence for persons convicted of federal crimes - including length of incarceration, non- incarceration alternatives, and compensation due to crime victims. The course will also briefly the sentencing law and guidelines that govern state cases in Virginia. In addition to scheduled class sessions, there will be one mandatory class session at either the Newport News or Norfolk federal courthouse for students to observe an actual federal sentencing hearing. The date for the class session at the federal courthouse will be announced after the drop/add period. This course will be graded on a pass/fail basis.