Works to reform drug laws

New York State's Rockefeller-era drug sentencing laws require the strictest jail terms in the country for drug offenders. Mr. Dunne, now chair of the Campaign for Effective Criminal Justice (an organization of politicians, law enforcement officials, business leaders and clergy, including Bishop Howard J. Hubbard), is seeking "reform to help those who are addicted overcome their addictions in a setting other than prison."

The former senator, a parishioner of St. James Church in Chatham, is firm in his convictions. Though he was a sponsor of the original legislation, he said he became aware of its negative effects during his three years in Washington, D.C., as assistant attorney general for civil rights for the U.S. Department of Justice.

Unintended consequences

Ironically, the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the U.S. may have provided an opportunity for change. With Gov. George Pataki estimating a $9 billion loss in state revenues from the World Trade Center's collapse, state lawmakers are scrambling to reallocate funds.

One way to do that is to do what drug-law reformers have urged all along: Send more drug offenders to treatment programs, not jail.

Savings

"But if placing violators in treatment facilities works, it could [eventually] be as much as $250 million a year," he added. "There's a very real money-saving element to these reforms."

Specifically, Mr. Dunne said he and his fellow advocates are seeking to:

* give judges the discretion to refer addicted, non-violent offenders to treatment programs rather than prison;

* reduce the harsh, mandatory sentences of 15 years to life in prison;

* give those already serving such sentences the opportunity to apply to the courts for reconsideration and possible reduction of their jail time; and

* fund programs so that the courts can effectively monitor those affected by the changes.

Justice

The State Senate and Assembly may reconvene in mid-December to consider the drug law reform and other legislation. Speaking as a former lawmaker himself, Mr. Dunne said the best ways for Catholics to advocate for reform are to write to their state lawmakers and to "see if they can get organizations in which they're active to express to legislators that reform is something that must come."

(11-29-01) [[In-content Ad]]