Title 18, Crimes and Criminal ProcedureRelease 119-102
§3594 Imposition of a Sentence of Death
Title 18 › PART II — CRIMINAL PROCEDURE › CHAPTER 228 — DEATH SENTENCE › § 3594
Summary
If a recommendation asks for death or life without release, the court must impose that sentence. Otherwise impose a lesser lawful sentence; if life is the maximum, life without release may be imposed.
Full Legal Text
Title 18, §3594
Crimes and Criminal Procedure, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Upon a recommendation under section 3593(e) that the defendant should be sentenced to death or life imprisonment without possibility of release, the court shall sentence the defendant accordingly. Otherwise, the court shall impose any lesser sentence that is authorized by law. Notwithstanding any other law, if the maximum term of imprisonment for the offense is life imprisonment, the court may impose a sentence of life imprisonment without possibility of release.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
18 U.S.C. § 3594
Title 18, Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102