Mandatory sentencing was a horrible idea, so this is most welcome. What I think is shows though, is that the biggest differences between Democrats and Republicans is that Democrats can be swayed by evidence and change their minds.
WILMINGTON — Gov. Jack Markell signed into law Tuesday a bill eliminating some mandatory life punishments and giving judges more freedom in sentencing non-violent offenders.
The law, which changes the state’s “three strikes” statute, removes drug crimes from the list of violent felonies and ends mandatory life in prison for multi-offense felons. Sponsored by Sen. Karen Peterson, D-Stanton, Senate Bill 163 passed the General Assembly this year with some limited bipartisan support.
“The trend of stiffer mandatory sentences for an increasing number of crimes hasn’t worked,” Gov. Markell, a Democrat, said in a statement. Delaware State News
