High court is asked to fix sentencing confusion (on last month's decision)

[Rose Siding]

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department took the extraordinary step Wednesday of asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hold a September hearing to swiftly clarify criminal sentencing rules that were thrown into turmoil by a high court decision last month.

"Uncertainty about how to proceed with federal sentencing is straining the resources of federal courts, prosecutors and defense counsel," acting Solicitor General Paul Clement wrote as he asked the court to return before its usual October term opening.

The justices immediately responded by calling for a filing from lawyers for defendants in the pair of cases at issue, a signal that the court is seriously considering putting the matter on the fast track. The action also is a sign of concern among the justices of the havoc created by the June 24 decision in Blakely vs. Washington.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/judicial/2004-07-21-court-sentence_x.htm

[truthisfreedom]

1. a supremes decision causing havoc? why i never!

oh yeah, there is that one little matter of subverting the people's will...