So I want you to read a post on the Washington Post Crime Blog, they are talking about a change in law that particularly affects our area. I want you to answer some of the basic questions as you read through this post, and then write a short response.
Take a look at the questions first, then read the article, writing the answers as you go, and finally write the response after having read the whole article:
Questions:
1) What crime are they changing the penalty for, what was the old mandatory sentence, and what is the new one?
2) If they make the law retroactive, how many federal prisoners will be affected?
3) Who agreed to reduce the minimum sentences for crack-cocaine?
4) What is the average amount a prisoner in jail for this crime would have his/her sentence reduced?
5) What is the purpose of the Fair Sentencing Act?
6) What has to happen to make this law retroactive?
Ok, now that you've previewed the questions, here is the article. Read through it, and look for the answers to the questions above.
...So. There are basically two sides to the debate in this article. No one really disagrees that there is evidence of unfair treatment of African-Americans when it came to sentencing drug crimes. The questions is if people who have already been convicted of this crime, and are in jail now, should get the benefit of having their sentence reduced. They argue that because anyone getting arrested for that crime today would have a lesser sentence, their own sentence should be similarly shorter. Where do you fall on this issue? Write 150 words defending your position.
Good luck
