Pubdate: Sat, 22 Dec 2007
Source: Times Union (Albany, NY)
Copyright: 2007 Capital Newspapers Division of The Hearst Corporation
Contact: http://www.timesunion.com/forms/emaileditor.asp
Website: http://www.timesunion.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/452
Authors: Donna Lieberman, Robert Perry

REFORM OF ROCKEFELLER DRUG LAWS LONG OVERDUE

The Supreme Court rulings on federal sentencing affirms an important 
principle: The authority to impose a criminal sentence ultimately 
lies with the judge.

It is time for the state Legislature to embrace this principle and 
restore judicial discretion to judges in cases involving drug 
offenses. Intended to target major drug traffickers, New York's 
Rockefeller Drug Laws have compelled judges to incarcerate low-level, 
nonviolent drug users.

Perhaps more disturbing is the impact these laws are having on 
communities of color: Blacks and Hispanics comprise more than 90 
percent of those currently incarcerated for drug felonies -- far out 
of proportion to their actual involvement with drugs. The state's 
harsh mandatory sentencing scheme has neither curbed drug use nor 
enhanced public safety. Instead, it has destroyed thousands of lives 
and wasted limited tax dollars.

Judges must have the authority to determine sentences on a 
case-by-case basis and to consider treatment and rehabilitation as 
alternatives to incarceration. Time is long past due for reform of 
New York's draconian drug-sentencing laws.

DONNA LIEBERMAN NYCLU Executive Director

ROBERT PERRY NYCLU Legislative Director New York
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