Push for sentencing changes underway in Congress

[Tx4obama]

Push for sentencing changes underway in Congress

WASHINGTON (AP) -- An unusual alliance of tea party enthusiasts and liberal leaders in Congress is pursuing major changes in the country's mandatory sentencing laws.

What's motivating them are growing concerns about both the fairness of the sentences and the expense of running federal prisons.

The congressional push comes as President Barack Obama and his Cabinet draw attention to the issue of mandatory sentences, particularly for nonviolent drug offenders.

Supporters say mandatory minimum sentences are outdated, lump all offenders into one category and rob judges of the ability to use their own discretion.

-snip-

Full article here: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_CONGRESS_SENTENCING_GUIDELINES?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2014-01-04-11-43-22

A Good Read

[freshwest]

1. This looks promising to those families abused by the system. n/t

[marble falls]

2. I hope there's some retroaction involved in the chanes being proposed.

[JimDandy]

3. About time! Justice is not served with mandatory minimums. n/t