An editorial published in yesterday’s New York Times, titled “Bad Science, Bad Policy,” makes the case for passing a federal law that with eliminate the sentencing disapritiers betwen crack and powder cocaine. it begins, “The federal law that mandates harsher prison terms for people arrested with crack cocaine than for those caught with cocaine powder is scientifically and morally indefensible.”
We agree.
Under current law, possession of five grams of crack cocaine triggers a minimum five-year prison sentence, while trafficking 500 grams (one pound) of powder cocaine triggers the same sentence, despite the fact that pharmacological effects of the two drugs are the same. The Fair Sentencing Act offers reform of federal crack cocaine sentencing by instituting a 1:1 ratio for crack and powder sentencing; the bill is scheduled this Thursday for mark up by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
A criminal justice system that applies sentences disproportionately or unfairly is far from just. In Ezekiel 33:11, we are taught, “I have no pleasure in the death of
the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.” It’s time that we work to aid individuals, including drug offenders, in turning from their ways. Read
the editorial, then write to your Members of Congress using our easy, pre-written action alert.