Congress codifies compassionate release in 18 U.S.C. § 3582, letting judges reduce sentences for extraordinary circumstances

Congress enacted the Federal Criminal Code revision of 1948, which included 18 U.S.C. § 3582(c)(1)(A), authorizing federal judges to reduce a sentence upon a finding of "extraordinary and compelling reasons." The Bureau of Prisons held exclusive authority to file such motions on a prisoner's behalf, giving BOP gatekeeping power over who could seek relief. The statute provided no definition of "extraordinary and compelling," leaving that determination to judicial discretion.