Pubdate: Mon, 30 Dec 2013
Source: Washington Post (DC)
Copyright: 2013 John Hughes
Contact: http://mapinc.org/url/mUgeOPdZ
Website: http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/491
Author: John Hughes
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v13/n619/a02.html

JUDICIAL DISCRETION IS PREFERABLE TO PROSECUTORIAL PRESSURE

Cheers to George F. Will for calling attention to the "sledgehammer
justice" [op-ed, Dec. 26] created by mandatory minimum sentences for
drug offenses. Inordinate power has been given to prosecutors to
pressure defendants to give up their right to trial and plead guilty
to lesser charges.

Progress has been made to reduce the punishment disparity between
crack and powder cocaine, eliminate mandatory sentences for simple
possession of a controlled substance and place more emphasis on
mitigating factors. More reforms are needed, particularly to give
judges more discretion in sentencing. A scalpel in the hands of a
judge is preferable to a sledgehammer in the hands of a prosecutor.

John M. Hughes, Arlington
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D