Supreme Court Restricts Judicial Authority Over Federal Compassionate Release Petitions

By Kevin Trowel · SCOTUSblog · 2026-07-16

SCOTUSblog reports that the Supreme Court recently curtailed the power of lower courts to reduce criminal sentences under the First Step Act. The twin rulings in Rutherford and Fernandez clarify that while inmates can now petition for release without Bureau of Prisons approval, j

SCOTUSblog reports that the Supreme Court recently curtailed the power of lower courts to reduce criminal sentences under the First Step Act. The twin rulings in Rutherford and Fernandez clarify that while inmates can now petition for release without Bureau of Prisons approval, j