Contains twenty-five articles that offer differing perspectives on mandatory minimum prison sentences, discussing whether it helps to alleviate crime, the fairness of mandatory minimum sentencing, alternatives, and related topics.
Content Note
Does mandatory minimum sentencing alleviate crime? Federally mandated minimum sentences alleviate crime / J. Randy Forbes ; Federally mandated minimum sentences do not alleviate crime / Marc Mauer ; California's "three strikes" law alleviates crime / Naomi Harlin Goodno ; California's "three strikes" law increases violent crime / Ray Fisman ; Mandatory minimum drug sentences help alleviate crime / Jodi L. Avergun ; Mandatory minimum drug sentences are unjust / Patrick Leahy -- Is mandatory minimum sentencing unfair? Mandatory minimum sentencing is unfair / Emily Bazelon ; Mandatory minimum sentencing is fair / Alberto Gonzales ; California's "three strikes" law is fair / Mike Reynolds ; California's "three strikes" law is unfair / Erwin Chemerinsky ; Mandatory minimum sentences for crack cocaine possession are unfair / Eric Holder ; Mandatory minimum sentences for crack cocaine possession are fair / R. Alexander Acosta ; Mandatory minimum sentences for possession of crack cocaine should be decreased / Christopher Moraff ; Mandatory minimum sentences for crack cocaine possession should not be decreased / Chuck Canterbury -- What are the effects of mandatory minimum sentencing? Mandatory minimum sentences discriminate against blacks / Jesselyn McCurdy ; Mandatory minimum sentences do not discriminate against blacks / Heather Mac Donald ; Mandatory minimum drug sentences waste resources / Kevin Zeese ; Mandatory minimum drug sentences protect children / Catherine M. O'Neill ; Mandatory minimum sentences usurp judicial power / Erik Luna ; Mandatory minimum sentences result in prison overcrowding / Judith Greene and Kevin Pranis -- What are some alternatives to mandatory minimum sentencing? Drug court supervision is a viable alternative to mandatory minimum sentences / C. West Huddleston III, Douglas B. Marlowe, and Rachel Casebolt ; Drug court supervision is not a realistic alternative to mandatory minimum sentences / Steven K. Erickson ; The "safety valve" provision should be broadened / The Constitution Project ; Mandatory minimum sentence laws should be repealed / James E. Felman ; Drug treatment programs are a viable alternative to mandatory minimum drug sentences / Justice Policy Institute.