Bishops ask again for reform of Rockefeller Drug Laws

The New York State Catholic Conference has again called on Gov. George Pataki and the State Legislature to reach agreement on reform of the state's harsh drug sentencing laws, known as the Rockefeller Drug Laws. The laws marked their 30th anniversary last week.

The Catholic Conference represents the bishops of New York State in public policy matters.

"We have heard calls for reform from numerous public officials, but tragically these words have not been met with joint action," said Richard E. Barnes, executive director of the Conference. "We have seen various proposals, yet little progress has been made toward a negotiated solution. Our leaders, who acted so boldly in calling for reform, are in danger of letting this moment slip through their grasp as momentum for change fades.

"In the meantime, thousands of women and men waste away in prison, and countless children grow up without a mother or father. Hundreds of millions of dollars are being spent incarcerating people who are no threat to anyone but themselves, and who, with treatment and educational opportunities, could become contributing members of society."

The Rockefeller Drug Laws mandate long prison sentences for those possessing even small amounts of drugs. However, drug kingpins learned to avoid carrying drugs themselves, leaving low-level dealers and drug couriers as the most likely to suffer the worst penalties.

As a result, the drug trade flourished, while the state's prisons swelled with nonviolent offenders, a disproportionate percentage of whom are black and Hispanic.

The bishops have identified four core principles for a just reform of the laws:

* greater opportunities for judicial discretion in sentencing,

* reduction or repeal of current mandatory sentencing provisions,

* judicial review of current sentences where a miscarriage of justice may have occurred, and

* opportunities for expanded substance abuse treatment for addicted felons.

"We urge our political leaders to resolve their differences and to embrace these principles to fashion the most just reform possible," said Mr. Barnes, "so that those affected may begin to heal their lives -- for the good of themselves, their families and their communities."

(5/15/03) [[In-content Ad]]