Lawyers e-Journal
Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009
Legislative News
MBA supports legislation to reform mandatory minimum sentences
The Massachusetts Bar Association applauds the Judiciary
Committee's action earlier this week to move forward legislation
that reforms mandatory minimum sentences for certain non-violent
drug offenders. The bill, Senate Bill Number 1651, would allow
certain non-violent drug offenders to apply for parole after
serving two thirds of the maximum sentence imposed. Previously, the
offenders could only be released upon completion of their entire
sentence. This measure allows authorities to consider parole based
on an individual's previous record and one's efforts to
rehabilitate.
"This action is in line with the recognition of the drug problem
as a health issue and not solely a criminal justice matter," said
MBA General Counsel Martin W. Healy.
This reform is in keeping with the MBA's long-standing
recommendations to eliminate mandatory minimum sentences, and is
highlighted in a report released by the MBA in June,
"The Failure of the War on Drugs: Charting a New Course for the
Commonwealth."