---
kind: "section"
citation: "18 U.S.C. § 3594"
title: "18"
title_heading: "Crimes and Criminal Procedure"
number: "3594"
heading: "Imposition of a sentence of death"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/18/3594"
units:
  - "Part II — Criminal Procedure"
  - "Chapter 228 — Death Sentence"
---

# §3594. Imposition of a sentence of death


Upon a recommendation under [section 3593(e)](/usc/18/3593.md?p=e) that the defendant should be sentenced to death or life imprisonment without possibility of release, the court shall sentence the defendant accordingly. Otherwise, the court shall impose any lesser sentence that is authorized by law. Notwithstanding any other law, if the maximum term of imprisonment for the [offense](/usc/18/3156.md?p=a-2) is life imprisonment, the court may impose a sentence of life imprisonment without possibility of release.


## Source credit

(Added Pub. L. 103–322, title VI, § 60002(a), Sept. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 1966.)