United States Sentencing Commission June 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

After considering the request of the Judicial Conference of the United States regarding the formation of a victims advisory group, the United States Sentencing Commission has decided to establish a standing victims advisory group pursuant to 28 U.S.C. 995 and Rule 5.4 of the Commission's Rules of Practice and Procedure. The purpose of the advisory group is (1) to assist the Commission in carrying out its statutory responsibilities under 28 U.S.C. 994(o); (2) to provide the Commission its views on the Commission's activities as they relate to victims of crime; (3) to disseminate information regarding sentencing issues to organizations represented by the advisory group and to other victims of crime and victims advocacy groups, as appropriate; and (4) to perform any other functions related to victims of crime as the Commission requests. The Commission anticipates that the victims advisory group will consist of not more than 9 members, each of whom may serve not more than two consecutive 3-year terms. The Commission also anticipates establishing a charter for the victims advisory group to govern the group's activities. The Commission hereby requests comment on the potential membership of the victims advisory group. The Commission also invites any person or group who has knowledge, expertise, or experience in the area of federal crime victimization to apply to become a member of the advisory group. Requests to be considered for the initial membership of the victims advisory group must be received by the Commission not later than July 30, 2007. Applications may be sent to Michael Courlander at the address listed below. The Commission also hereby gives notice of a proposed amendment to its Rules of Practice and Procedure, at Rule 5.4, to include the victims advisory group as a standing advisory group of the Commission.