More than Numbers: A Proposal for Rational Drug Sentences

Osler, Mark William

Abstract

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More than Numbers: A Proposal for Rational Drug Sentences

Mark William Osler

University of St. Thomas - School of Law (Minnesota)

September 4, 2008

Federal Sentencing Reporter, Vol. 19, No. 326, 2007

Abstract:
For decades, federal law has used the weight of narcotics seized as a proxy for the culpability of a defendant. This method has, predictably, resulted in the over-incarceration of mules and others who hold drugs for a relatively short period of time, rather than the true drug kingpins. This article proposes specific changes to federal law to address this problem.

Keywords: sentencing, drugs, narcotics, mandatory minimums

JEL Classification: K14, K42

Accepted Paper Series

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Date posted: September 5, 2008

Suggested Citation

Osler, Mark William, More than Numbers: A Proposal for Rational Drug Sentences (September 4, 2008). Federal Sentencing Reporter, Vol. 19, No. 326, 2007. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1263565

Contact Information

Mark William Osler (Contact Author)

University of St. Thomas - School of Law (Minnesota) ( email )

MSL 400, 1000 La Salle Avenue
Minneapolis, MN Minnesota 55403-2005
United States
(254) 717-7032 (Phone)