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The Sentencing Reform Act is passed.

1984

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Congress enacts the Sentencing Reform Act of 1984. This abolishes the existing parole system and replaces it with federally-imposed sentences that are based on mandatory guidelines.

This is promoted by the newly-formed body of the U.S. Sentencing Commission. In the same year, Congress enacts a number of statutes that impose mandatory minimum sentences for drug and weapons offenses.