Chicago's top federal prosecutor says judges seem to be more lenient than in the past in child pornography cases, departing from guidelines that were once mandatory and which call for tough prison sentences.
U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald made his comments Thursday to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, which writes the guidelines. Fitzgerald says child pornography needs more study before guidelines calling for sentences of up to 25 years are changed.
Fitzgerald says anecdotal evidence shows judges have been varying from the guidelines in child pornography cases more often than in most other areas since a U.S. Supreme Court decision made them advisory only.
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Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald made his comments Thursday to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, which writes the guidelines. Fitzgerald says child pornography needs more study before guidelines calling for sentences of up to 25 years are changed.
Fitzgerald says anecdotal evidence shows judges have been varying from the guidelines in child pornography cases more often than in most other areas since a U.S. Supreme Court decision made them advisory only.
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Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
