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New York to Roll Back Strict '70s Drug Laws

Gov., legislative leaders make deal to repel mandatory sentences

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Mar 26, 2009 5:40 AM CDT
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(Newser) – New York's governor and legislative leaders have agreed to repeal some of the nation's most draconian drug laws, the New York Times reports. The move to dismantle strict mandatory sentencing guidelines set down in 1973 means judges will have the option of sending many first-time nonviolent drug offenders to treatment instead of jail.

The "Rockefeller drug laws" have long been criticized for being overly harsh and for having a disproportionate effect on minorities. Gov. David Paterson has made reforming drug laws a priority, and the changes to the Rockefeller laws “reflect the governor’s core principle to focus on treatment rather than punishment to end the cycle of addiction," said a spokesman. The update would also allow some offenders currently serving time to apply to have their sentences commuted.

A rally yesterday outside New York Gov. David Paterson's office calls on him and legislative leaders to end the remaining Rockefeller-era drug laws.
A rally yesterday outside New York Gov. David Paterson's office calls on him and legislative leaders to end the remaining Rockefeller-era drug laws.   (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
A rally outside New York Gov. David Paterson's office calls on him and the legislature to dump the reamining Rockefeller-era drug laws.
A rally outside New York Gov. David Paterson's office calls on him and the legislature to dump the reamining Rockefeller-era drug laws.   (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer)
Youths attend a rally in downtown Manhattan to protest against New York's strict Rockefeller Drug Laws.
Youths attend a rally in downtown Manhattan to protest against New York's strict Rockefeller Drug Laws.   (Getty Images)
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We’re putting judges in the position to determine sentences based on the facts of a case, and not on mandatory minimum sentences. To me, that is the restoration of justice. - Jeffrion L. Aubry, an assemblyman from Queens

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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
Snowleopard
Mar 26, 2009 9:16 AM CDT
yay
freethemall
Mar 26, 2009 4:58 AM CDT
It is to be hoped that this is the beginning of a trend that grows and spreads across the nation.

Judges say reform will give them more alternatives
New York Times

 
drugs • law • New York • mandatory minimums • sentencing guidelines • David Paterson • New York state • Howard Stern Grid

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