Case highlights from busy sentencing times

As detailed at this archive, death penalty developments have captured plenty of attention lately.  But true sentencing fans should be sure not to overlook all the notable recent non-capital sentencing rulings.  I've linked some recent highlights below:

BOOKER RULINGS

• Booker discussion topic: are departures obsolete?
• Second Circuit upholds sentencing based on acquitted conduct
• Eleventh Circuit opines at length about post-Booker sentencing and review
• Wisdom from Judge Carnes on post-Booker appellate review
• Important 11th Circuit ruling on Booker harmless error
• Eighth Circuit discusses reasonableness of crack/powder differential

OTHER RULINGS

• Minnesota Supreme Court limits reach of "prior conviction" exception
• Seventh Circuit enforces mandatory life sentence in drug case
• Major Minnesota Blakely ruling