Pubdate: Mon, 23 Dec 2002
Source: Olympian, The (WA)
Copyright: 2002, The Olympian
Contact: http://www.theolympian.com/forms/lettrfrm.shtml
Website: http://www.theolympian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/319
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

THE WHOLE TRUTH WAS HIDDEN IN MARIJUANA TRIAL

There is a deeply disturbing malaise in our justice system.

Recently two patients/providers of medical marijuana, Bryan Epis and Keith 
Laden, received mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years and 20 years 
respectively for growing medicinal marijuana in accord with California 
state law -- the Compassionate Use Act of 1996.

They were tried and convicted in federal court for violating federal laws 
against growing marijuana. They were not allowed to enter testimony about 
complying with the California laws, nor mount a medical necessity defense. 
The whole truth was never heard.

This is like a murder trial in which crucial information as to how the 
victim died is withheld. Was it an accident, or in self defense, or 
negligence, or was it deliberate with evil intent. Obviously the 
culpability is vastly different depending on the circumstances of the death.

The draconian sentences meted out on these well-intentioned victims make a 
mockery of the term justice in the administration of our laws. These trials 
resemble the rigged trials of the Soviet era against which we so rightly 
railed.

Can we tolerate this form of justice (which has become the hallmark of the 
Bush-Ashcroft team) and still pretend to be the land of freedom and justice.

David L. Edwards, Olympia 
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager