Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Court Revisits Sentencing Guidelines

The Supreme Court yesterday struggled with how to give judges discretion in imposing sentences while still maintaining guidelines that seek to minimize disparities in justice.

read more | digg story

While disparity does not equal discrimination, it is the basis for examination to determine the basis for the disparity. When the U.S. prison population is over represented by people of color, when we have more black males in prison that in college, don't you think it is time to ask why?

Why does the 100 to 1 ratio exist in sentencing for possession of different forms of cocaine? Did Congress rush to judgment in making this distinction? Why has it taken 20 years or more for the issue to finally reach the U.S. Supreme Court? Where are the voice asking about the efficacy of criminalizing any drug usage? Is this the best policy response to this issue?

No comments: