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Different editorial perspectives on crack reform compromise

By Douglas A. Berman

Anyone inclined to conclude and lament that the ("left-wing") media always see issues the same way should be sure to check out the distinct editorials from the New York Times and the Washington Post concerning last week's compromise bill passed by the Senate to cut the quantity ratio of powder to crack triggering statutory mandatory minimums to roughly 18:1 (basics here and here): From the NY Times here, we get "Race and Mythology in Drug Laws" Key quote: "The [Senate] standard is still irrational, if significantly less so than current law. It?s imperative for the House to fight for the 1-to-1 ratio when it takes up the issue. Otherwise, the law will remain tinged with racism even if relative harshness is cut back." From the Wash Post here, we get "Sober sentencing for cocaine possession" Key quote: "[Crack/powder] parity ignores important if not huge differences between the two forms of the drug, including a slightly higher risk of addiction with crack, as well as a faster rate of physical deterioration users experience...continue to full post

Full post as published by Sentencing Law and Policy on March 23, 2010 (boomark / email).