Mandatory Minimums Must Go!

[SEVERUSMAX]

If this turns out political, so be it. But I mean it. Mandatory minimum sentences violate the separation of powers, put a straight-jacket on judges, and send non-violent offenders to federal prison at public expense (whatever happened to smaller government) for ridiculous terms. It is time to put an end to such nonsense, especially when the most innocent accidental parties to the "drug conspiracy" in question are often given the longest sentences. I repeat, let's end this nonsense and grant a general amnesty to all non-violent offenders incarcerated under these inane laws.

 

[JackLuis]

I read the title as "Mandatory Muslims Must Go!"

Surprise Surprise!

But yeah, I think we should not restrict the Judges judicial use of the whole range of punishments available and in his mind applicable to correct the behavior he sees.

OTOH, If insider traders. investment bankers and Book Jugglers were sentenced to 40 years + what ever, we might see Mandatory Minimums phased out.

 

[SEVERUSMAX]

I read the title as "Mandatory Muslims Must Go!"

Surprise Surprise!

But yeah, I think we should not restrict the Judges judicial use of the whole range of punishments available and in his mind applicable to correct the behavior he sees.

OTOH, If insider traders. investment bankers and Book Jugglers were sentenced to 40 years + what ever, we might see Mandatory Minimums phased out.

LOL....then they'd scream bloody murder.

 

[Liar]

If this turns out political, so be it. But I mean it. Mandatory minimum sentences violate the separation of powers, put a straight-jacket on judges, and send non-violent offenders to federal prison at public expense (whatever happened to smaller government) for ridiculous terms. It is time to put an end to such nonsense, especially when the most innocent accidental parties to the "drug conspiracy" in question are often given the longest sentences. I repeat, let's end this nonsense and grant a general amnesty to all non-violent offenders incarcerated under these inane laws.

What do you mean turns out political? It's political from the subject line and on. Not complaining, just saying.

Sometimes it's good to have straightjackets on judges. Or at least there should be specificity in legislation and checks in place so that their desicions are not subjective and arbitrary. Judges are just people, but people in control of other people's fate and liberty.

But this is the wrong straightjacket. It doesn't let cases be assessed on their own merits.