Thursday, June 18, 2015
The Politics of Prison Sentencing
Last Tuesday (June 9th), during a public hearing,
Beacon Hill lawmakers met to debate mandatory minimum sentencing for drug
offenses. These laws create a set
minimum amount of time judges must mandate for crimes and cannot reduce even in
extenuating circumstances. This debate is not new to the Commonwealth, in 2012
legislators passed a bill reducing mandatory minimum sentencing for non-violent
drug offenders as part of the “three strikes” provision – however it still
remains a contentious topic.
Those who advocate for mandatory minimum sentences have
argued minimum sentencing laws have helped reduce drug-related crime both in
Massachusetts and the nation as a whole.
Suffolk County District Attorney, Dan Conley, has stated he believes the
public would not benefit from a reduction in minimum sentencing but criminals
would.
Attorney General Maura Healey and opponents to minimum
sentencing laws, however, disagree. In a letter to lawmakers Healey wrote, “History shows we cannot
incarcerate our way out of this public health crisis, and we need smart reforms
that will allow us to focus on treatment for those we are most able to help.”
***
In 2014 the MWPC endorsed candidate Maura Healey in her run
for Attorney General. She has since won her election and begun to work for the
Commonwealth.
