Legal Articles

• Sentencing Guidelines: Fair Sentences or a Denial of Trial by Jury?
  In the 1980s, it became apparent to those in the U.S. government that there were wide sentencing disparities in the United States federal court system.  Defendants who were convicted of very similar crimes were receiving wildly different sentences.  Accordingly, a movement began to develop federal sentencing guidelines.  In addition to providing equitable sentences around the … more
• When is a Search Warrant Necessary?
  The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution protects Americans from unreasonable searches by the government.  That means that absent an emergency situation or other legal exception, a police officer must have a search warrant before conducting a search of your person or property. How a Search Warrant is Obtained The Fourth Amendment requires that searches be specific and … more