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In a move that perfectly encapsulates the gap between political rhetoric and tangible criminal justice reform, the U.S. Sentencing Commission (USSC) recently unveiled new guidelines encouraging leniency for youthful offenders. But like so many well-intentioned but toothless policies before it, this so-called “reform” is little more than bureaucratic sleight of hand – a performative gesture that changes almost nothing on the ground. The USSC’s 2023 amendment to the sentencing guidelines suggests judges consider youth (ages 18-25) as a mitigating factor. Yet without binding language, clear enforcement mechanisms, or retroactive application, this guidance is essentially a strongly worded suggestion – one that many judges are free to ignore. The result? A policy that looks progressive on paper but fails to deliver real justice. **Why This “Reform” Falls Short** The USSC’s guidance is advisory, not mandatory. Judges can – and do – dismiss it without consequence. Unlike the First Step Act, which forced measurable changes like recalculating good-time credits and reducing crack cocaine sentences, this amendment lacks teeth. In U.S. v. Johnson (2023), a judge denied a sentence reduction for a 19-year-old, stating, “The guidelines are suggestions, not laws.” This case exemplifies the core problem: when reforms aren’t binding, they’re easily ignored. Many federal judges, particularly in tough-on-crime districts, cling to outdated “superpredator” myths. Without strict rules, they can reject youth-based leniency outright, impose arbitrary standards like requiring spotless prison records, and side with prosecutors who routinely oppose sentence reductions. The amendment does little for the thousands already serving draconian sentences for crimes committed in their youth. Unlike the Fair Sentencing Act, which was made retroactive to correct racial disparities in crack sentencing, this reform leaves most behind bars. This follows a familiar pattern of empty reforms. The 2014 “Drugs Minus Two” amendment reduced drug sentencing ranges but excluded many due to narrow retroactivity rules. Obama’s clemency initiative promised relief but granted only 1,715 commutations out of 36,000 petitions. Each time, the government talks big but delivers small, leaving families hopeful yet trapped in the same broken system. **What Real Reform Would Look Like** If policymakers were serious about helping young offenders, they would first make youth mitigation mandatory by passing laws creating a presumption of reduced sentences for under-25 offenders, modeled after D.C.’s Youth Rehabilitation Act. They would ban life without parole for under-21 offenders, as states like Michigan and Illinois have done. Real reform would apply changes retroactively by expanding the First Step Act to cover more offenses and forcing the BOP to recalculate sentences under new youth-focused rules. It would restrict judicial and prosecutorial bias by requiring judges to justify in writing why they rejected youth mitigation and training courts on adolescent brain science – neuroscience confirms impulsivity peaks before age 25. **The Bigger Problem: Symbolism Over Substance** The USSC’s hollow guidance is a microcosm of a justice system that prioritizes optics over outcomes. Time and again, reforms are announced with fanfare, only to be ignored by judges, undermined by prosecutors, and limited by bureaucratic loopholes. Meanwhile, thousands of young people remain incarcerated under sentences that defy modern standards of fairness. Empty words won’t fix this system. If we want real change, we must demand binding laws, not suggestions; retroactive relief for those already imprisoned; and accountability for judges who disregard youth mitigation. The USSC’s “reform” isn’t just weak – it’s a distraction from the systemic overhaul we need. Real justice requires more than magic words. It requires action. *Pernell J. Sellers is a criminal justice reform advocate and writer focusing on sentencing policy and prison reform.*

While justice is still quite elusive, the bond that is between us is not. Nothing more than changing the length of the race and adjusting the hurdles. Each challenge provides me with an opportunity to learn more about life, love and lessons. It also has taught me about being grateful with the blessings provided us to in life, and I am blessed immensely for the husband that I have. He is by far one of the strongest humans I know. I do not wish these situations upon anyone; but I would choose to do life like this with him than any alternative with anyone else. That being said, time to get in shape and tie up these laces so we can jump these last few hurdles in front of us. Next year I am picturing we will be retired from this race and sitting somewhere sipping Mai Tai’s and enjoying the presence of one another. To my husband: I love you, I miss you, I need you, I want you, I AM YOU.

I cannot tell my story without first acknowledging my lovely wife Mrs Michelle Sellers who has been on this journey with me before there was a day one.
I love you Peaches with all of my being💜

When the world looks at an incarcerated individual they see one man or woman never realizing how many other people are connected to this person. Those people are in essence doing time too.
Michelle has been my anchor to the outside world. I cannot imagine her struggles with my situation, i used to try to hide what I was going through to put on a brave face for her, and too often she did the same not wanting to burden me further. I can tell you that this is a mistake on both parties. When you open yourself to your partner the outside world contracts and the space the two of you have created expands to levels unimaginable. The walls that hold all of us crumble.
I salute her bravery, and yours, this is not a journey most will have to take but i can assure you that you will be strong enough for everything that this life presents you.

Everybody be blessed!

“It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer” – William Blackstone

We were barely legal when this nightmare began. One minute we are snuggled up on a chair watching movies until we fell asleep, then BOOM! Our lives have forever been changed, spending 28 years seeking justice within a judicial system that is not in favor of black men. He was wrongfully accused and sentenced to life but a jury of his so-called peers, none of which were people of color. Appointed a public defender that failed to do his job. Administrative remedies exhausted and denied.
New sentencing guidelines have since been put into play, yet the judicial system, built on systemic racism still will not set him free. No compassion in the Compassionate Release Motion that was decided by the same courts that erroneously convicted him in the first place. Sent to prison as a teen and left to fend for himself yet hold it against him when he does. They speak of rehabilitation but do nothing but hold on to the past when making their judgements.
Countless people in similar circumstances have been freed or had sentencing reductions, in the same Circuit but different court. What is the difference with him? If he were tried in Maryland, he would probably be free, but racism still runs prevalent among many judges and people deciding the fate of black men. They hold them to a higher standard yet treat them as less than. What will it take to get him set free?