Congress is significantly reducing sentencing differences between crack and powder cocaine convictions.
Since 1986, punishment for crack convictions has been more severe than that of powder cocaine with a ratio of 100-1. But legislation known as the "fair sentencing act" would reduce that to about 18-1. "There needs to be some parity between the sentencing of someone who is convicted of possessing...distributing or using crack cocaine versus someone who is using...distributing or possessing [powder] cocaine," contends Mat Staver of Liberty Counsel. "I think this is a good move. I think it's one that ought to bring some balance to the conviction and sentencing guidelines."Congress' argument on the issue was that African Americans have received a disproportionate number of long prison sentences because they more frequently deal with crack rather than the more expensive powder cocaine. "I don't think that sentencing ought to be dependent upon ethnic groups that are impacted," Staver argues. "It may be that certain ethnic groups are engaging in certain activities, and if that's the case, I don't think you ought to change the guidelines just because of that particular result. I think that's basically a red herring." The House has passed the legislation, so it now heads to the president for his signature.
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