Digital Commons Network^™

Our Drug Laws Have Failed - So Where Is The Desperately Needed Meaningful Reform?, David C. Leven

Fordham Urban Law Journal

The article begins by stating that the harsh drug laws of New York have failed to have an effect on the amount of drug dealers and instead have led to overcrowding of prisons with non-addict drug users. It states that the laws must be modified to give greater sentencing to judges, increasing diversion of non-violent offenders to rehabilitation. The article then delineates the problems resulting from current drug law and the criticism thereof. It then states the attempted reforms of drug laws that have been insufficient. The article concludes by suggesting proposals to solve the problems delineated, including proportionate sentences, …