Pubdate: Wed, 11 Jan 2006
Source: National Post (Canada)
Copyright: 2006 Southam Inc.
Contact:  http://www.nationalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286
Author: Robert Sharpe
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?199 (Mandatory Minimum Sentencing)
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n033/a10.html

JAIL NOT THE ANSWER

Re: Commit The Crime, Do The Time, Lorne Gunter, Jan. 9.

When it comes to drugs, mandatory minimum prison sentences are proven 
failures. If harsh sentences deterred illicit drug use, Canada's 
southern neighbour would be a "drug-free" America. That's not the 
case. The U.S. drug war has done little other than turn the former 
land of the free into the world's biggest jailer.

It's worth nothing that tobacco use has declined considerably in 
recent years. Public education efforts are paying off. Apparently 
mandatory minimum prison sentences, civil asset forfeiture, random 
drug testing and racial profiling are not necessarily the most 
cost-effective means of discouraging unhealthy choices.

Robert Sharpe, Policy Analyst

Common Sense for Drug Policy

Washington 
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman