July 28, 2010

The original law was passed at the height of the crack epidemic, when it was assumed that rock cocaine was more dangerous than the regular form. Because crack was more prevalent in inner cities, blacks convicted of cocaine possession got much longer sentences than whites, who tended to prefer the powder.

The measure would also do away with the five-year mandatory minimum for first-time possession of crack. It's the first time in nearly 40 years that lawmakers have repealed a mandatory minimum sentence.

"For Congress to take a step toward saying 'we have made a mistake' and this sentence is too severe ... is really remarkable," Virginia Sloan, president of the Constitution Project, told the AP.

Posted By: FEDS TV Staff