Pubdate: Tue, 04 Dec 2007
Source: Daily Mail (UK)
Copyright: 2007 Associated Newspapers Ltd
Contact:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/108
Author: James Slack
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?207 (Cannabis - United Kingdom)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)

COURTS COULD BE TOLD NOT TO JAIL CANNABIS DEALERS

Cannabis Dealers Would Escape Jail Under Proposed Sentencing Rules 
For Magistrates.

Until now, dealers selling even small quantities have  faced up to 14 
years in prison.

But in future those convicted of dealing Class C drugs  - such as 
cannabis - could instead be given community  orders. Only big-time 
cannabis dealers would face jail.

The rules are in a draft document prepared by the  Sentencing 
Guidelines Council. They could be adopted as  early as February.

Labour downgraded the status of cannabis from Class B  to Class C in 
2003, which means those caught with the  drug for personal use are 
unlikely to be arrested. At  the time, ministers said the switch 
would mean police  had more time to chase down drug dealers.

The guidelines also say those caught with large  quantities of Class 
A drugs such as heroin and cocaine  should no longer be jailed if the 
drugs are for  personal use.

Criticising the proposals, Tory justice spokesman Nick  Herbert said: 
"What kind of signal will this send to  society about our attitude to drugs?"
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom