What legislation enacted in 1984 aimed to correct inequities in federal sentencing?

The Sentencing Reform Act, enacted in 1984, was designed to address significant disparities in federal sentencing practices. Prior to this legislation, there were widespread inconsistencies in how judges imposed sentences for similar crimes, leading to significant inequities based on factors such as race, geography, and judicial discretion. The Act sought to create a more uniform and predictable sentencing structure by establishing the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which provided a framework that judges were to follow when determining sentences for federal offenses. This aimed to enhance fairness, reduce the possibility of unfair sentencing, and ensure that similar offenses received similar treatment by the justice system. As a result, the Sentencing Reform Act is pivotal in shaping modern federal sentencing standards and promoting equity in legal outcomes.