Tougher sentences and mandatory sentences don't reduce crime, if anything, they increase it by lowering the IQ of drug dealers and other criminals. Sure, it polls well and sells well to the middle class but it is dumb.
The Toronto Star is running a piece from John Howard Society volunteer Emile Therien who writes that "...proposed crime legislation, including mandatory sentences for some drug offences, is ideologically and politically driven, not evidenced-based, and smacks of everything that is wrong with our criminal justice system. A classic case of crime as politics. This legislation, if it ever sees the light of day, will prey on the socially, culturally and economically disadvantaged, especially aboriginals and the mentally ill."
He also points out that California spends more on prisons than it does on its vaunted state university system. Other jurisdictions do the same, namely Michigan, which, as we all know, is drowning.
WFDS
There are quit a few lawyers, as well, that feel that way..are these Cons nuts?
ReplyDeleteWhat can be done. I like to think the middle class I know, does not go for this.
At least they have a policy. The Libs have no coherent plan. There is no other option.
ReplyDelete