Criminal justice systems in the United States—in both state and federal courts—traditionally allowed judges to consider all of the facts and circumstances of a case to determine a convicted defendant’s appropriate sentence. But the United States Congress and many state legislatures have passed laws that force judges to give fixed jail or prison terms (mandatory minimum sentences) to persons convicted of certain crimes—often drug offenses, but also certain gun, pornography, and economic crimes.

For example, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines are non-binding rules that provide a uniform sentencing policy for defendants convicted of crimes in the United States federal court system. The Federal Sentencing Guidelines are not mandatory, but judges must consider them when determining a criminal defendant’s sentence—and when a judge exercises discretion and departs from the Guidelines, the judge must explain what factors warranted the increased or decreased sentence—known as an upward departure or a downward departure.

In South Carolina, as in other states, the criminal justice system has been influenced by both state statutes and federal laws regarding sentencing. While judges traditionally had the discretion to consider various factors when determining sentences, the implementation of mandatory minimum sentences has limited this discretion for certain offenses. Mandatory minimums require judges to impose a predetermined minimum sentence for specific crimes, particularly drug offenses, as well as some gun, pornography, and economic crimes. At the federal level, the Federal Sentencing Guidelines provide a framework for sentencing in federal courts. Although these guidelines are advisory rather than mandatory, federal judges must consider them and justify any departures from the recommended sentencing range. In cases where a judge decides to impose a sentence that is either harsher (an upward departure) or more lenient (a downward departure) than the Guidelines suggest, the judge is required to provide an explanation for this decision. It's important to note that while federal guidelines influence federal court proceedings, state courts in South Carolina follow state sentencing laws and guidelines, which may differ from federal practices.