Because the research took into account the impact of the parole system and good time allowances, it describes punishments imposed by the U.S. Government as contrasted to sentences imposed by judges. Data are presented for groups of offenders defined by offense characteristics and often offender characteristics. Tables and graphs provide sentencing information on crimes of violence, property offenses, drug offenses, offenses involving the justice system such as perjury and contempt, firearms and explosives offenses, immigration and citizenship, corporate crime and miscellaneous offenses (including civil rights and antitrust violations). The report discusses the data's utility, bases and limitations of the estimates, and future uses of the data base.