Rutherford v. United States · ¶8

A prison sentence, once imposed, usually cannot be modified by the district court. 18 U. S. C. § 3582(b). But Congress has established several narrow exceptions to this rule. One exception—commonly referred to as “compassionate release”—permits the court to reduce a term of imprisonment if it finds, among other things, that “extraordinary and compelling reasons warrant such a reduction.” § 3582(c)(1) (A)(i). We consider whether the sentencing disparity created by Congress's nonretroactive change to § 924(c)'s mandatory penalties can serve as an “extraordinary and compelling reaso[n]” that “warrant[s]” a reduction. § 3582(c)(1) (A)(i). We hold that it cannot.

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