When did the US Federal Sentencing Guidelines first come into effect?

The US Federal Sentencing Guidelines first came into effect on November 1, 1989. This set of guidelines was established to create a more uniform sentencing framework for federal offenses. The guidelines were designed to reduce disparities in sentencing and establish a clear policy for judges to follow, providing a structured approach to sentencing that considers the nature of the crime and the offender's history. This standardization aimed to promote fairness and consistency within the federal judicial system.

The introduction of these guidelines marked a significant shift in federal sentencing practices, as they required judges to adhere to specific criteria rather than relying on their discretion alone, which had previously led to varying sentences for similar offenses across different jurisdictions. The guidelines have undergone revisions since their inception, reflecting changes in law and societal expectations surrounding justice and punishment.