Investigator with the Public Defenders Office

As an investigator with the Federal Public Defenders Office, you are assisting Assistant Federal Defender Lilly Jones with on offenderBen Smith, who pled guilty to distribution of a controlled substance (5 kilograms of cocaine). Mr. Smith is being sentenced next month.

In a 23-page paper, provide an overview of the following:

• What are the , and how would they impact sentencing in this matter?
• Why were , and what is their purpose?
• How would the sentencing of this case? Do they allow judges enough discretion when imposing a sentence?
• Should judges have more or less discretion when it comes to sentencing?
• What are the 3 most . Jones should tell the judge at sentencing about Mr. Smith to aid in sentencing?