Pubdate: Sat, 13 Apr 2002
Source: Newsday (NY)
Copyright: 2002 Newsday Inc.
Contact:  http://www.newsday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/308
Author: Matthew Hulett

REEFER MADNESS

Marijuana possession in amounts under 25 grams has already been 
decriminalized in New York State. No one should be arrested for simple 
possession. But former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani instituted a policy of 
incarcerating marijuana law violators so their fingerprints could be 
checked - which means a person apprehended on Friday could stay in jail 
until his or her fingerprints are checked the following Monday. Police joke 
about the situation, calling this, "Doing your time up front." This is 
another example of the executive branch hoarding power from the legislature 
when it dislikes a law it cannot change.

Unfortunately, those unjustly jailed are mostly without power. If this was 
being done to speeders or parking-law violators, it wouldn't be tolerated.

Matthew Hulett

Short Hills, N.J.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens