# Justice Manual § 9-27.745: Unreasonable or Illegal Sentences

> Federal · Agency guidance · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-27.745

## Section

- **Citation:** Justice Manual § 9-27.745
- **Heading:** Unreasonable or Illegal Sentences
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Agency guidance
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** DOJ Justice Manual / Title 9: Criminal / 9-27.000 - Principles of Federal Prosecution / Justice Manual § 9-27.745

## Text

The attorney for the government should oppose attempts by the court to impose any sentence that is: (1) not supported by the law or the evidence; (2) unreasonable in light of 18 U.S.C. § 3553(a); (3) below the statutory minimum; (4) above the statutory maximum; or (5) based on a prohibited factor, such as race, religion, gender, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, or political association, activities, or beliefs.

Comment.
The prosecutor, with Departmental approval, may appeal a sentence which is unreasonable, unlawful or based on a prohibited factor.  The requirements for reporting and seeking approval to appeal adverse sentencing decisions are set forth in JM 9-2.170.

[updated February 2018]

## Nearby sections

- [Justice Manual § 9-27.001 Preface](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-27.001.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-27.110 Purpose](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-27.110.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-27.120 Application](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-27.120.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-27.130 Implementation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-27.130.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-27.140 Modifications or Departures](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-27.140.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-27.150 Non-Litigability](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-27.150.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-27.200 Initiating and Declining Prosecution—Probable Cause Requirement](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-27.200.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-27.220 Grounds for Commencing or Declining Prosecution](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-27.220.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-27.230 Initiating and Declining Charges—Substantial Federal Interest](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-27.230.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-27.240 Initiating and Declining Charges—Prosecution in Another Jurisdiction](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-27.240.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-27.250 Non-Criminal Alternatives to Prosecution](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-27.250.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-27.260 Initiating and Declining Charges—Impermissible Considerations](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-27.260.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-27.270 Records of Prosecutions Declined](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-27.270.md)
- [Justice Manual § 9-27.300 Selecting Charges—Conducting an Individualized Assessment](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-27.300.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/JM_S9-27.745. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.