USSC public meeting this week

As detailed in this public notice, a public meeting of the US Sentencing Commission is scheduled for Thursday, November 20, 2008, at 9:30 a.m.  The public notice reveals that the USSC has a less-than-inspiring formal agenda, including a "Briefing on Identity Theft Enforcement and Restitution Act of 2008" and also a "Briefing on Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008 and Drug Trafficking Vessel Interdiction Act of 2008."

Though the agenda might suggest this public meeting will be a snoozer, this will still be the first formal and public event for the USSC in the wake of the election of a new President and Congress.  Though I doubt the USSC will address this coming federal transition in any consequential way — and remember that technically the Commission is housed in the Judicial Branch — astute Commission-watchers may be able to assess changes in tones, attitudes and ambitions in light of new political realities.

Some related recent posts on post-election dynamics:

• Why federal sentencing reformers must focus on the USSC and lower courts
• How a new administration is likely to impact federal sentencing practice
• Are we on the verge of a new changed era concerning federal sentencing law and policy?
• FSR publishes issue on "American Criminal Justice Policy in a 'Change' Election"

Some related older posts on USSC priorities:

• What does the future hold for the US Sentencing Commission?
• USSC proposes latest priorities and requests public comments
• Acquitting and downloading some additional USSC priorities
• New developments or data from the USSC?
• Effective NYU Center letter on USSC priorities
• FAMM suggests priorities for USSC
• Federal defenders provide (lengthy) suggestions to USSC