Crack is Wack!

Thousands could be freed soon if they were imprisoned for crack cocaine offenses by the federal government. But, a major issue driving this push for a lower sentences is race. More than 86 of the people convicted are black, and all of these people would be effected by the sentence reduction. A major fear is that drug lords or major drug dealers would be released back into society. This measure will go before a commission in the judicial branch, The US Sentencing Commission, containing seven commissioners. Three federal judges will have to be one the commission. If the measure is approved, inmates can petition a judge to reduce their sentence. But, the judge's decision can be appealed. Another major concern is the affect it will have on the communities. In the D.C. area alone, around 1,400 inmates could have their sentences reduced. If released, these inmates could go back to selling the cocaine. Many fear that is will only intensify the violence surrounding the D.C. area.

The US Sentencing Commission was created after the passing of the Comprehensive Crime Control Act of 1984. The commission is responsible for determining the sentence lengths that are handed out by the Federal Court System. It is an independent branch of the Judicial Branch. There are seven seats on the commission. They are appointed by the President, but must be confirmed by Senate. Each commissioner's term last six years.