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Mandatory Minimums

The Mandatory Effect   2
Mandatory minimums, a fear tactic law passed by an unthoughtful congress during the 1970’s,
when states were attempting to control drug use and sales through the “war on drugs” (Sagler, 2006).  
This law was poorly thought out and thus resulting in the overcrowding of U.S. prisons with low-level,
non-violent drug offenders. Spending tax- payer’s money on housing these offenders is a waste of
resources   and a quick fix solution that does not address the real issues.   Sentencing reform through
Federal Sentencing Guidelines by means of mandatory minimums have left quite a bit of uncertainty for
offenders,   tied the hands of judges, and at best, given society the chance to express its moral outrage in
a manner that is cruel and inhumane. The end results of this practice, thought up with good intentions,
has   permanently damaged the criminal justice system with wounds that will heal slowly - if ever. These
sentencing   guidelines end up sentencing people to much harsher and longer punishments than most
feel deserved.   They also leave judges without the ability to exercise discretion and pass a fair  
judgment, by reducing the punishment based on ones’ role and participation in the crime one is
convicted of. By leaving the judges with no sentencing options the intent of the mandatory minimums
was   to produce a system so complete and throurogh that drug lords and kingpins would be caught and
stiffly punished, thus sending a message to the public that drug sales and use will not be tolerated.
This message is supposed to reassure the general public   that their safety is a priority. But this comes
with heavy cost to the tax payer and unfair sentencing for some. These sentencing guidelines were
targeted to be enforced on key player, kingpins, and major drug traffickers. Many people, however, that
are affected by these laws are not in any of these positions. They are low level, first times offenders.  
Assuming that...