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File Name | S22-Policy-NCFCA-11-AFF-Mandatory-Minimums.docx |
File Size | 293.02 KB |
Date added | September 27, 2021 |
Category | Policy (NCFCA) |
Author | Jonathan T. Helton |
Resolved: The United States Federal Government should significantly reform its policies regarding convicted prisoners under federal jurisdiction
This case ends mandatory minimums for drug offenses. Mandatory minimums require that people convicted of the same crime (related to drug possession or distribution) serve the same number of years. It makes sense on its face, but it creates more problems than it solves. Under mandatory minimums, judges have limited ability to change sentences in the light of evidence that suggests they should be changed. No two crimes are alike, so judge discretion is important. In fact, the current system may benefit high-level drug dealers, since they have information and can rat on low-level offenders who have committed fewer damaging crimes but don’t have a ton of information to trade for a lower sentence. Furthermore, mandatory minimums don’t deter drug use, and they increase crime, prison overcrowding, and racial disparities.