Mandatory minimum sentences are automatic, minimum prison terms set by Congress. Judges in the U.S. are required to base their sentences on the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, mandatory minimum sentencing laws, or both. In 1986 the U.S. Congress passed the Anti-Drug Abuse Act which enacted new mandatory minimum sentences for drugs. People caught with 5 grams of crack cocaine were given jail sentences of 5 years without parole (the same sentence as people caught with 500 grams). The legislation was in response to the moral panic involving the crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980’s. In 201…
Read more@93ZVQ532yrs2Y
No, not for mere possession.
@8ZY2RKD2yrs2Y
No only if they get caught with certain dangerous drugs
@8ZY2RKD2yrs2Y
@7J7L92W2yrs2Y
No, they should be put in a rehab program for a minimum amount of time
@chneljm2yrs2Y
It truly depends upon the drug, but regardless, prisons should focus more on the rehabilitation of drug users.
@93PTKFV2yrs2Y
A manditory sentance should be decided based on the drug and the amount. A person convicted of 5 grams of meth should have a lesser sentence that a person convicted of 10 grams of cocaine.
@8TMFV7P2yrs2Y
No, I do not support mandatory minimums except for violent crimes
@92XJ8VH2yrs2Y
I dont even know what this one is asking
@9334YP32yrs2Y
Yes, but it should be significantly longer for drug dealers than for drug users.
@92Z4QD42yrs2Y
No, but ensure there isn't any discrepancy between demographics.
@92YT8GX2yrs2Y
I think it depends on the amount a person has.
@92PZ3CR2yrs2Y
No, and Decriminalize all drugs
@92MVC7V2yrs2Y
There's people serving life in prison for Marijuana. There's people who are serving life in Prison for being in Possession of Marijuana. Not even harmful if it was being used for them and not being sold.
@8ZK5HYT2yrs2Y
Yes, but this decision should be made at the state level
@Lukebryan4272yrs2Y
Yes, but terms should be shorter.
@92BKNSF2yrs2Y
If it's actual drugs, like methenamine, crack/cocaine, fentanyl, and unprescribed strong opioids then no they should be punished a little more, that's just my opinion I wouldn't want users to be on the street doing drugs that kills people and is highly addictive.
@9268RLG2yrs2Y
I think it depends on the drug and how much they had on them
@8M258QP2yrs2Y
No - and taking drugs should be the decision of the person - not the government
@heatherdvdprincess2yrs2Y
No, and prisons should be reformed to reform prisoners. Give non-violent offenders work to do that they can use once they get out of prison, and have them live with and work for a family that is a good example to them. Their time is done after 7 years.
@8ZLD3MT2yrs2Y
Es but if the drug is legal it shouldn’t be as a crime in that state
@8ZLD3KV2yrs2Y
Yes, but with the exception of a first offense.
@8ZHBNZH2yrs2Y
it depends on how much the person has in there possesion.
@8ZD28X22yrs2Y
No. Decriminalize drug use and focus on helping those with addiction.
@77JF5QJ2yrs2Y
Yes, and depending upon the crime, they should receive the death penalty
@7THPXS92yrs2Y
Yes, with reduced sentences allowed for aid in targeting drug dealers.
@8YTGL8V2yrs2Y
Only if the drugs are highly addictive or deadly. Not things such as over usage of prescription drugs or nicotine-containing drugs.
Deleted2yrs2Y
No, certain offenders would be better suited to lighter sentences and rehabilitation unless a violent crime is committed. And if so, punitive measures should be related to violent crime and not drug possession.
@8YJ6ZGY2yrs2Y
No, but still have some form of punishment and provide them with help
@8YHL7LP2yrs2Y
i believe that the government and the police department are more focus on putting people in jail for drug possession instead of looking for people that damage to other people or put in danger another person's life for example murderers or rapist.
@8XD6BY62yrs2Y
Yes, and decriminalize the use of every drug.
@88NZKDZ2yrs2Y
No, legalize all drugs and release those convicted of non-violent offenses.
Deleted2yrs2Y
No, unless a violent crime is committed and if so, punitive measures should be related to the violent crime and not drug possession. Certain offenders would be better suited to lighter sentences and rehabilitation.
@73VTYCJ2yrs2Y
No, and provide rehabilitation services to those who are struggling with addiction
@8XQ89RL2yrs2Y
Yes, but for drug dealers and users.
@8XPB39B2yrs2Y
yes but for people using try and get them help
Deleted2yrs2Y
Yes, but the sentence needs to be done correctly and stop imposing longer sentences to drug users. Instead of letting them rot in a cell, they should be better suited to lighter sentences and rehabilitation, so this will decrease incarceration rates as well as more spaces for violent criminals. Only impose minimum sentences for drug dealers and those who commit violent crimes.
Deleted2yrs2Y
Yes, but the sentence needs to be done correctly and stop imposing longer sentences to drug users. Instead of letting them rot in a cell, they should be better suited to lighter sentences and rehabilitation, so this will decrease incarceration rates and more spaces for violent criminals. Only impose minimum sentences for drug dealers and those who commit violent crimes.
Deleted2yrs2Y
Yes, but the sentence needs to be done correctly and stop imposing longer sentences to drug users. Instead of letting them rot in a cell, they should be better suited to lighter sentences and rehabilitation, so this will decrease incarceration rates and there will be more spaces for violent criminals. Only impose minimum sentences for drug dealers and those who commit violent crimes.
Deleted2yrs2Y
Yes, but the sentence needs to be done correctly and stop imposing longer sentences to drug users. Instead of letting them rot in a cell, they should be better suited to lighter sentences and rehabilitation, so incarceration rates decrease and there will be more spaces for violent criminals. Only impose minimum sentences for drug dealers and those who commit violent crimes.
Deleted2yrs2Y
Yes, but the sentence needs to be fair and stop imposing longer sentences to drug users. Instead of letting them rot in a cell, they should be better suited to lighter sentences and rehabilitation, so there will be more spaces for violent criminals. Only impose minimum sentences for drug dealers as well as those who commit violent crimes.
Deleted2yrs2Y
Yes, but the sentence needs to be fair and do not impose longer sentences to drug users, they should be better suited to lighter sentences and rehabilitation instead of having rot in a cell, so there will be more spaces for violent criminals. Only impose minimum sentences for drug dealers as well as those who commit violent crimes.
Deleted2yrs2Y
Yes, but the sentence needs to be fair, and do not impose longer sentences to drug users and they should be better suited to lighter sentences and rehabilitation, so there will be more spaces for violent criminals. Only impose minimum sentences for drug dealers as well as those who commit violent crimes.
Deleted2yrs2Y
Yes, but the sentence needs to be fair and do not impose longer sentences to drug users; they should be better suited to lighter sentences and rehabilitation, so there will be more spaces for violent criminals. Only impose minimum sentences for drug dealers and to those who commit violent crimes.
Deleted2yrs2Y
Yes, but the sentence needs to be fair and do not impose longer sentences to drug users and they should be better suited to lighter sentences and rehabilitation, so there is more spaces for violent criminals. Only impose minimum sentences for drug dealers and to those who commit violent crimes.
Deleted2yrs2Y
Yes, but the sentence needs to be fair and do not impose longer sentences to (non-violent)drug users and they should be better suited to lighter sentences and rehabilitation. Only impose minimum sentences for drug dealers and to those who commit violent crimes.
Deleted2yrs2Y
Yes, but the sentence needs to be fair and do not impose longer sentences to drug users; they would be better suited to lighter sentences and rehabilitation. Only arrest drug dealers and those who commit violent crimes.
@8XD6BY62yrs2Y
Decriminalize the use of every drug.
@CFox4People2yrs2Y
No, the racist and failed war on drugs has led to many minorities unjustly suffering at the hands of our racist system.
Deleted2yrs2Y
No, unless a violent crime (or else drug trafficking) is committed and if so punitive measures should be related to the violent crime and not drug possession. Certain offenders would be better suited to lighter sentences and rehabilitation.