Overcrowding Will Cost State Dearly Mississippi lawmakers don't like to be forced to do anything, even if it's the right thing. But they have met their match with prisoners' rights attorney Ron Welch. Backed by a longstanding federal court order, under Gates vs. Collier, Welch has filed suit to stop overcrowding in Mississippi's jails. His motion in U.S. District Court in Greenville seeks $19.7 million in fines against the state for contempt by refusing to honor the 1985 court order forcing state inmates out of county jails. [continues 285 words]
Hinds program a model for the state Mississippi lawmakers reluctant to amend the "Truth in Sentencing Law" requiring all inmates to serve 85 percent of their sentences can look to Hinds County for a solution. Spearheaded by state Rep. Alyce Clarke, D-Jackson, a new court targets individuals age 17 and older whose drug addiction is considered the primary cause of criminal activity. It's not for hard-core offenders, who go to a separate court. Rather than funneling first-time offenders into prison, this program offers drug treatment as its primary option. [continues 94 words]
RAYMOND — Benjamin Hennington risked eight years in a jail cell and $50,000 over a bag containing crack cocaine. But when Hennington, 20, pleaded guilty Friday to possession of crack, he didn't get prison time. What he got was drug treatment and a chance to keep a felony conviction off his record. Hennington was one of the first three inmates placed in Hinds County's new drug court diversion program for mostly first-time, nonviolent offenders. The program seeks treatment over incarceration for those with a drug problem. [continues 627 words]
The truth is becoming apparent: The war on drugs is an abject failure. After spending $1 trillion of our taxes in the past 30 years to stem the use of illegal drugs, drugs are purer, cheaper and more plentiful than at any time in our history. In one recent survey, teens revealed that it was easier to get marijuana than alcohol. After all, a liquor store owner wants to protect his ABC license, but the mob will sell to anyone. America now has the world's largest penal system, just short of 2 million people behind bars — legions of whom are nonviolent drug offenders. [continues 112 words]
