Opinion ID: 797762
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Sentencing Statutes, Sentencing Guidelines, and the Separation of Powers

Text: 42 Serrato argues BOP's termination of boot camp violates federal sentencing statutes and the United States Sentencing Guidelines (Guidelines), which assume the existence of the program. Serrato's theory is that by terminating boot camp, BOP impermissibly intruded on other branches of government, namely, on Congress's prerogative to enact a boot camp program, on the United States Sentencing Commission's ability to promulgate the Guidelines, and on the judiciary's ability to recommend that prisoners be designated to boot camp. 43 BOP has a responsibility to inform the Sentencing Commission of suggested comments and changes to the Guidelines. 28 U.S.C. § 994(o) provides that BOP shall submit to the [U.S. Sentencing] Commission any observations, comments, or questions pertinent to the work of the Commission whenever they believe such communication would be useful. It further provides that BOP shall submit an annual report suggesting changes in the guidelines that appear to be warranted. Id. 28 U.S.C. § 994(p) provides for the Commission, in turn, to submit to Congress amendments to the guidelines and modifications to previously submitted amendments. 44 Boot camp is a federal sentencing option under the Guidelines. Chapter 5, Part F, of the United States Sentencing Commission's Guidelines Manual is entitled Sentencing Options and includes U.S.S.G. § 5F1.7, p.s., Shock Incarceration Program (Policy Statement). This section provides that federal sentencing courts may recommend that a defendant who meets the criteria set forth in 18 U.S.C. § 4046 participate in a shock incarceration program. Id. 45 BOP's termination of boot camp has not, however, impermissibly altered or amended a Sentencing Guideline without proper approval from the Commission or Congress. Both 18 U.S.C. § 4046 and U.S.S.G. § 5F1.7 remain on the books and have practical effect. Section 4046 continues to authorize BOP to establish a boot camp program. Section 5F1.7 continues to authorize judges to recommend prisoners to such program, if and when it may be renewed. 7 BOP's discretionary decision how to allocate its lump sum appropriation does not impermissibly impinge on Congress, the Sentencing Commission, or the judiciary. 46