Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984
The Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 was a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that introduced extensive reforms to federal criminal laws. It represented the first comprehensive revision of the U.S. criminal code since the early 1900s. The Act established a federal sentencing commission and eliminated parole for the federal prison system.
The main sections of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984 covered a wide range of areas, including:
- Bail: Reforms to the federal bail system to enhance public safety and judicial integrity.
- Sentencing Reform: Creation of the United States Sentencing Commission to develop consistent sentencing guidelines.
- Forfeiture of Assets: Expanded the government’s ability to seize assets connected to criminal activities, particularly drug trafficking.
- Insanity Defense: Tightened the standards for the use of the insanity defense in federal trials.
- Penalties for Drug Law Offenses: Enhanced penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences, for drug-related crimes.
- Federal Grants and Assistance: Provision of federal grants and other support in the area of criminal justice.
- Transfers of Surplus Federal Property: Allowed the transfer of surplus federal property to states or localities for law enforcement and criminal justice purposes.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice: “The phase-out provision for federal parole “did not adequately provide for persons sentenced under the law in effect prior to November 1, 1987 who had not yet completed their sentences. Elimination of, or reduction in, parole eligibility for such cases would raise a serious ex post facto issue. To address this problem, the Judicial Improvements Act of 1990 extended the life of the Parole Commission until November 1, 1997."
[Last reviewed in July of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team]
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