Legislating Against Judicial Arrogance
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Re “Rehnquist Criticizes Sentencing Restrictions,” Jan. 2: A central principle of justice is the equal application of the laws. United States Chief Justice William Rehnquist doesn’t like the new federal law limiting judges’ discretion in criminal sentencing or the requirement of reports to Congress on any judges who depart from the sentencing guidelines.
Congress is the lawmaking authority, not the courts. It merely seeks to eliminate or drastically reduce the disparities in sentences from comparable crimes because of the sentencing practices of some judges. Rehnquist’s views reveal the arrogance of judges with lifetime authority who are accustomed to exercising vast powers without any effective check on their abuse of power.
Robert E. Hayes
Professor, Political Science
Cal State Long Beach
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