Pubdate: Fri, 11 Jul 2003
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution (GA)
Copyright: 2003 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Contact:  http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/28
Author: Robert E. Keller

SENTENCING RULES CAN'T BE RUSHED

As a former co-chair of the Commission on Certainty in Sentencing, I must 
respond to a recent editorial ("Perdue must steer passage of sentencing 
guidelines,"  June 18).

First, the commission was established by Gov. Roy Barnes to study 
sentencing and render a final report. That report was issued in December 
2002. The commission was automatically abolished as a matter of law with 
the change of administrations.

Gov. Sonny Perdue had an early interest in the recommendations, however, 
and began probing into how some of them could be implemented immediately.

Consensus is building that sentencing guidelines could ease prison 
overcrowding over time. Moreover, the options for sentencing (transition 
centers, supervised probation, drug and alcohol treatment centers) are 
expected to transition many inmates into society where they will work and 
live as law-abiding citizens.

Perdue's approach is judicious, contemplative and filled with the careful 
coordination that must take place before the guidelines can be implemented.

ROBERT E. KELLER

Keller is district attorney of the Clayton Judicial Circuit.
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