Sessions Tells U.S. Prosecutors to Push for Toughest Penalties

U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions directed federal prosecutors to seek more serious charges against most suspects, a move he said would end “inconsistent” policies of the Justice Department.

Sessions, in a memo directing prosecutors nationwide to pursue the most serious provable offenses, also instructed them to recommend the longest possible sentencing recommendations and required them to seek approval from a U.S. Attorney or assistant attorney general for any variances. Any policies that aren’t consistent with the new guidelines will be rescinded immediately, he said.

“Working with integrity and professionalism, attorneys who implement this policy will meet the high standards required of the Department of Justice for charging and sentencing,” Sessions said.

The ...