Pubdate: Tue, 27 Nov 2007
Source: National Post (Canada)
Copyright: 2007 Southam Inc.
Contact:  http://www.nationalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/286
Author: Jodie Sinnema,  CanWest News Service
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Mark+Kleiman  (Mark Kleiman)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

BASE DRUG SENTENCES ON CONDUCT, EXPERT SAYS

Children, Guns Key

Lengthy prison sentences should be used on the worst drug dealers -- 
the ones who use children or guns to deal drugs --and should not be 
based mainly on the quantity being sold, says a U.S. expert on drug 
control policy.

"You want drug sentences to be based not merely on the drug that's 
being sold and the quantity, which is the fundamental basis for most 
drug sentencing both in the U.S. and in Canada, but on the conduct of 
the drug seller," said Mark Kleiman, who directs the drug policy 
analysis pro-gram at UCLA School of Public Affairs. He spoke 
yesterday to 950 delegates at the Issues of Substance conference in Edmonton.

"You want to create competitive disadvantage for the most obnoxious 
dealing styles and unfortunately, routine drug law enforcement 
creates competitive advantage for the most obnoxious dealing styles. 
If I am the most violent drug dealer in town, no one wants to be a 
witness against me, so reputation for violence actually protects me 
against law enforcement ... you have to reverse those incentives."

Simply putting more dealers behind bars will not decrease the amount 
of drugs on the street, Mr. Kleiman said. Instead, the goal should be 
to reduce the amount of damage being done in a neighbourhood through 
break-ins, violence or targeting young people.

Most people drink alcohol or smoke marijuana without doing harm, he 
said, arguing that governments should legalize the personal use of 
some drugs while forbidding the sale.
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