Although some states have approved cannabis sales, the federal government still considers it a serious drug. That muddle was on display in a case where a man faced 10 years to life in prison.
Tag Archives: Mandatory Sentencing
QAnon Cheers Republican Attacks on Jackson. Democrats See a Signal.
Criticism of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s sentencing decisions emerged as a theme among Republicans — and renewed debate about the party’s stance toward QAnon.
Fact Checking Judge Jackson’s Record on Child Sexual Abuse
Republican lawmakers criticizing the Supreme Court nominee have taken the judge’s remarks and sentencing decisions out of context, distorting her record.
Supreme Court Says 10 Burglaries Can Count as One Offense
The case concerned a federal law that calls for stiff sentences for gun crimes when the defendant had committed three felonies “on occasions different from one another.”
Judge Tosses Teen’s Sexual Assault Conviction, Drawing Outrage
Drew Clinton, 18, faced four years in prison under Illinois sentencing guidelines. But the judge, Robert Adrian, overturned his conviction this month, saying the sentence was “not just.”
Prosecutors Move to Reduce 110-Year Sentence for Trucker in Deadly Crash
After Rogel Aguilera-Mederos was sentenced in connection with a 2019 crash in Colorado that left four people dead, a district attorney asked a judge to reconsider the lengthy punishment.
Justice Sotomayor, the Supreme Court’s Truth Teller
In her opinions, Justice Sotomayor explains how Supreme Court cases are part of a larger unfolding story of where the country finds itself.
Supreme Court Limits Sweep of Law on Mandatory Minimum Sentences
Violent felonies committed recklessly do not count in deciding whether 15-year terms are required under the Armed Career Criminal Act, the justices ruled.
How a Former Drug Dealer Charts a Path for New York’s Renewal
After receiving a 30-year prison sentence, John Gargano won clemency, then rebuilt his career twice. Like New York City, he’s back on his game.
Supreme Court Rejects Limits on Life Terms for Youths
The court, which has for years been cutting back on harsh punishments for juvenile offenders, changed course in a 6-to-3 decision.
Indicted Gaetz Associate Is Said to Be Cooperating With Justice Dept.
Joel Greenberg, a former elected official in Florida, has been talking to federal investigators since last year about the conduct of Representative Matt Gaetz and others.
Outside Trump’s Inner Circle, Odds Are Long for Getting Clemency
President Trump has doled out pardons to friends and fellow Republicans. Thousands of others without connections have largely been left out.
It Was a Landmark Crime Bill. Then a State Senator Added a Special Favor.
The clause to weaken penalties for official misconduct in New Jersey was added by a powerful Democrat whose girlfriend’s son faces five years in prison.
D.C. Passes Bill to Give Young Offenders Chance at Reduced Sentences
Fueled by a debate over when the justice system should consider young people adults, the legislation would apply to those under 25 when they committed a crime who have served at least 15 years.
Supreme Court Considers How to Decide if Teenagers Should Serve Life Without Parole
The justices considered precedents that said only “permanently incorrigible” juvenile offenders ought be sentenced to die in prison.
Louisiana Man Sentenced to Life Over Theft of Hedge Clippers Is Granted Parole
Before 2017, a person in Louisiana could be sentenced to life in prison after receiving a fourth nonviolent conviction under the state’s habitual offender law.
Law to Reduce Crack Cocaine Sentences Leaves Some Imprisoned
Critics say the First Step Act is being applied too arbitrarily by judges who are taking a hard line when it comes to revisiting nonviolent drug sentences.
How Mandatory Minimums Are Weaponized
After a protest, two Brooklyn lawyers are each facing 45 years behind bars.
Sentenced for Three Strikes, Then Freed. Now Comes a Pushback.
Measures that softened California’s sentencing laws are headed for the ballot again.
No Death Sentences for Minor Offenses
Releasing more inmates could help stem the spread of the coronavirus in and outside of prisons and jails.