Criminal Justice Issues in the United States

The CRS Reports that comprise this book examines criminal justice issues we are currently facing in the United States. The first chapter examines mental incompetency and firearms ineligibility, and amendments to acts such as the Restoring Americans Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act, which were initiated after the mass shootings in San Bernardino in December 2015 and in Orlando in June 2016. The next report examines how domestic terrorism, hate crime and homegrown violent extremism relate (and differ) from one another and current trends. Additional reports include an overview on human trafficking trends, background, federal programs and issues for Congress on missing adults (age 18 and older). The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported that as of December 31, 2016, approximately 54,000 cases were pending. Finally, as a general rule, federal judges must impose a minimum term of imprisonment upon defendants convicted of various controlled substance (drug) offenses and drug-related offenses. The severity of those sentences depends primarily upon the nature and amount of drugs involved, the defendants prior criminal record, any resulting injuries or death, and in the case of the related firearms offenses, the manner in which the firearm was used. This last chapter revisits the mandatory minimum sentencing of federal drug offenses and offenders in the United States.