Presentence Evaluations of Offenders Can Be More Responsive to the Needs of the Judiciary
GGD-85-14
Published: Apr 09, 1985. Publicly Released: Apr 09, 1985.
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Highlights
In order to report on how presentence psychiatric evaluations can be improved, GAO reviewed: (1) 157 cases where offenders were committed to the Federal Prison System for observation and study; and (2) 83 local studies ordered during fiscal year (FY) 1981.
Recommendations
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Justice | The Judicial Conference, through the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts and the Federal Judicial Center, and the Attorney General, through the Federal Prison System, should form a partnership to develop criteria for the selection of cases appropriate for observation and study. |
Closed – Not Implemented
Sentencing guidelines provided structure GAO found lacking in 1985. Changing conditions imply that this recommendation is no longer applicable. GAO will consider this as are assessed guidelines over the next 3 years.
|
| Judicial Conference of the United States | The Judicial Conference, through the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts and the Federal Judicial Center, and the Attorney General, through the Federal Prison System, should form a partnership to develop criteria for the selection of cases appropriate for observation and study. |
Closed – Not Implemented
Sentencing guidelines provided structure GAO found lacking in 1985. Changing conditions imply that this recommendation is no longer applicable. GAO will consider this as it assesses guidelines over the next 3 years.
|
| Department of Justice | The Judicial Conference, through the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts and the Federal Judicial Center, and the Attorney General, through the Federal Prison System, should form a partnership to develop and disseminate guidance to district courts on the types of questions that clinical experts can be expected to answer. |
Closed – Not Implemented
Sentencing guidelines provided structure GAO found lacking in 1985. Changing conditions imply that this recommedation is no longer applicable. GAO will consider this as it assesses guidelines over the next 3 years.
|
| Judicial Conference of the United States | The Judicial Conference, through the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts and the Federal Judicial Center, and the Attorney General, through the Federal Prison System, should form a partnership to develop and disseminate guidance to district courts on the types of questions that clinical experts can be expected to answer. |
Closed – Not Implemented
Sentencing guidelines provided structure GAO found lacking in 1985. Changing conditions imply that this recommendation is no longer applicable. GAO will consider this as it assesses guidelines over the next 3 years.
|
| Department of Justice | The Judicial Conference, through the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts and the Federal Judicial Center, and the Attorney General, through the Federal Prison System, should form a partnership to establish a system for regular evaluation of whether the studies performed for the district courts are responsive to their needs. |
Closed – Not Implemented
Sentencing guidelines provided structure GAO found lacking in 1985. Changing conditions imply that this recommendation is no longer applicable. GAO will consider this as it assesses guidelines over the next 3 years.
|
| Judicial Conference of the United States | The Judicial Conference, through the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts and the Federal Judicial Center, and the Attorney General, through the Federal Prison System, should form a partnership to establish a system for regular evaluation of whether the studies performed for the district courts are responsive to their needs. |
Closed – Not Implemented
Sentencing guidelines provided structure GAO found lacking in 1985. Changing conditions imply that this recommendation is no longer applicable. GAO will consider this as it assesses guidelines over the next 3 years.
|
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Behavioral sciences researchCorrectional facilitiesCriminal procedureEvaluation criteriaJudicial procedureJudicial reformLitigationMental health care servicesTrialsJudges