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Ceremonial signing of New York drug law reforms

By Douglas A. Berman

This local piece provides this effective report on the ceremonial event yesterday in New York to mark the state's recent drug sentencing reforms: Gov. David Paterson did a ceremonial signing in Queens [Friday] of a bill that reduces sentences for non-violent drug offenders. The legislation, which was passed as part of the 2009-10 state budget early this month, gives judges total discretion to divert non-violent addicts to drug treatment, and it expands the state?s treatment programs. ?This is a proud day for me and so many of my colleagues who have fought for so long to overhaul the drug laws and restore judicial discretion in narcotics cases,? Paterson said at Elmcor Youth and Adult Activities Inc., a state Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services-funded drug-treatment center...continue to full post

Full post as published by Sentencing Law and Policy on April 25, 2009 (boomark / email).