There was no mandatory minimum sentence under prior federal law.

WSJ: Penn State Case Underscores How Society Deals With Sexual Assault

The bill would allow federal judges to bypass federal mandatory minimum sentences if the sentence is too lengthy or if it simply does not fit the crime.

CNN: NAACP chief: A GOP path to black votes

It is not a mandatory or automatic or minimum sentence.

BBC: Whole life prison terms upheld by Court of Appeal

Barton, whose brother is Manchester City footballer Joey Barton, and Taylor face a mandatory life sentence and the minimum tariff for racially motivated murders is 30 years.

BBC: Barton and Taylor followed Anthony to McGoldrick Park