Opinion ID: 526825
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: The Sentencing Statute

Text: 26 Finally, appellant argues that 18 U.S.C. Sec. 3553(e) violates the separation of powers doctrine by giving the executive branch the power to perform a judicial act. Section 3553(e) authorizes sentences below the statutory minimum, upon motion of the government, where a defendant has afforded substantial assistance in the prosecution of another. However, a hurdle which cannot be overcome in this case is that the record and appellant's argument are devoid of any evidence that appellant offered the government substantial assistance. Thus, appellant has no standing to challenge the constitutionality of Section 3553(e). See United States v. Muniz-Zacca, 854 F.2d 1324 (11th Cir.1988).