Disparity Between Drug Sentences Reduced

For decades, it was a sign of unfairness at best, or racism at worst. Under a 1986 law, a person convicted of possessing five grams of crack cocaine got the same mandatory prison sentence as someone with 500 grams of powder cocaine, 100 times more. And of course, those using powder cocaine in the mid to late 1980’s were often rich and/or white, and those using crack cocaine in the mid to late 1980’s were often poor and/or black.

Yesterday, President Obama signed legislation that reduces that ratio to about 18-1 from 100 to 1. So the law is a little more fair.

In some areas of criminal justice system, Obama disappoints, having what appears to be the same position as President Bush when it comes to warrantless searches and seizures being used in the conduct of fighting terrorism. But in the mandatory minimums and sentence disparity, Obama meets my expectations, and even surprises. This is one of those times.