Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

2017 Overview of Mandatory Minimum Penalties in the Federal Criminal Justice System

"This publication assesses the impact of mandatory minimum penalties on federal sentencing. It continues the Commission’s work in this area by highlighting recent developments regarding the charging of offenses carrying a mandatory minimum penalty, and providing updated sentencing data regarding the use and impact of mandatory minimum penalties. This publication builds on the Commission’s previous reports and publications—particularly, its 2011 Report to the Congress: Mandatory Minimum Penalties in the Federal Criminal Justice System—and is intended to contribute to the continued examination of federal mandatory minimum penalties. It is the first in a series, with future publications focusing on mandatory minimum penalties for specific offense types."