Lengthy Seventh Circuit discussion of reasonableness review

Though not appearing to break any new ground, the Seventh Circuit today in US v. Jackson, No. 07-2421 (7th Cir. Oct. 29, 2008) (available here), provide another good example of an appellate court taking its obligation to conduct reasonableness review seriously.  Here is the start of the Jackson opinion:

Codell Jackson was convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1).  The district court, focusing on Jackson’s unusually extensive criminal history, imposed a sentence of 96 months’ imprisonment, which exceeded the top of the advisory guidelines imprisonment range by 18 months.  Jackson appeals, challenging the reasonableness of his sentence, and we affirm.