Opening remarks for the seminar were by Kevin Napper (Carlton Fields) & Ted Simon (speaking on behalf of NACDL)- Although I was not there, Ted Simon tried to discern the diversity of the audience.  He asked – "how many believe in the concept that a federal sentence should be sufficient but not greater than necessary"- he received a response of a lot of hands.  He next asked – "how many are dedicated to the concept that a federal sentence should be 'something, but not greater than as little as possible'" – he received laughter.  He next asked – we can't ask the question of how many believe that a federal sentence is insufficient, even if greater than the statutory maximum. 

He noted that the conference included a diverse, rich, talented, experienced, pool of participants. He called the seminar "unequivocally the leading federal sentencing seminar in the country."  He said it was a seminar composed of the leading federal court probation specialists, jurists, prosecutors, and professional officers on all sides of the issues – "all the essential ingredients of the sentencing stew" and a program where everyone can learn and perform their respective roles better. And of course he gave a plug to join NACDL.

Hats off to Kevin Napper, Carlton Fields, for putting together an incredible lineup and conference.

(esp)