“Justice Jackson Urges Overhaul of Harsh Sentencing Guidelines!”
MIAMI – U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson urged a reevaluation of sentencing guidelines for white-collar crimes, arguing they create unfair disparities by prioritizing financial loss over individual culpability.
Speaking at an American Bar Association conference in Miami, Jackson emphasized that “fairness requires that similarly situated defendants be treated similarly,” drawing applause from an audience of white-collar defense lawyers.
Jackson, a former member of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, noted that fraud-related sentences have increased significantly due to rising monetary values in cases. Unlike drug and violent crimes, white-collar offenses lack mandatory minimum sentences, giving judges more discretion.
During the event, Jackson was interviewed by former San Francisco U.S. Attorney Ismail Ramsey. She also referenced her dissent in last year’s 6-3 Supreme Court decision granting broad immunity to presidents, warning that it introduces inequality in the justice system.
On court relationships, Jackson shared that she bonds most with Justice Amy Coney Barrett, as they are close in age and both working mothers. Barrett even hosted a “Hamilton”-themed party for Jackson, a known musical theater fan, after she joined the Supreme Court.