Sentences with phrase «mandatory sentences forced»

So prison populations soared, and mandatory sentences forced often reluctant judges to imprison first - time offenders, many of them lower - level «mules» who were merely carrying the drugs for the dealers, who were seldom touched.

Not exact matches

Former state Supreme Court justice Emily Jane Goodman said the toughening of guidelines has forced judges to impose mandatory sentences for certain crimes, which are out of sync with the offense or don't take into account extenuating circumstances.

Jeffries is for now insisting he wants to make his career in Congress, where he's become a force in the Judiciary Committee on criminal justice issues, especially aggressive police tactics and mandatory minimum sentences.

In early 2016 the congressional task force created to examine overcrowding in the federal prison system, recommended the repeal of federal mandatory minimum sentences for drug offences.

Particularly where mandatory minimum sentences are triggered, a judge can be forced to impose sentences that even the judge regards as «immensely cruel, if not barbaric.»

The trial judge ruled the mandatory minimum sentence required by s. 5 (3)(a)(i)(D) constituted cruel and unusual punishment contrary to s. 12 of the Charter; it was not a reasonable limit within the meaning of s. 1 of the Charter and was declared of no force and effect.

Mr. Morhan said that while the mandatory sentence remains in force, it sets the bar higher for punishment of small growers.