Discuss the changes that have occurred regarding the sentencing for drug offenses and how they reflect the trends of drug use and abuse. Based on the discussion, forecast the future trends and changes with rational for the changes

What will be an ideal response?


Answer: Through the 1970s and 1980s in response to the increase of drug use and development of crack cocaine, penalties became sever and lengthy. Mandatory minimum developed; reducing discretion, and increasing prison populations. This overreaction was eventually modified in that laws were changed to reduce sentencing and rescind some of the mandatory minimums. It should be noted that at the state level laws and sentencings vary, but at the federal level they are the same across the nation. These changes to the laws and sentencing often reflect the national views on drugs, the changes and developments of new drugs, and can be politically motivated. Answers will vary as to the forecast of future trends in drug laws, but one main example could be marijuana. Recently some states have legalized marijuana for medical use and some states have even made marijuana legal for personal use without a medical need. Yet, marijuana is still classified as a Schedule I.

Criminal Justice

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a. True b. False Indicate whether the statement is true or false

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a. A public wrong that is an offense against society. b. An act or omission forbidden by law for which the state prescribes a punishment. c. Any harm defined and made punishable by the criminal law. d. All of the above.

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K-12 teachers and guidance counselors ________ time or resources to adequately identify and reach out to children and their families who have challenges in their lives.

a. have more than enough b. do not have the c. see few challenges in d. acquired in the 1990s

Criminal Justice