Drug War Chronicle #796 - August 15, 2013
As Pressure Mounts, Holder Acts on Sentencing Reform [FEATURE]
In a major policy speech to the American Bar Association Monday, Attorney General Eric Holder announced sentencing reform measures he is ordering the Justice Department to undertake, especially backing away from the use of mandatory minimum sentencing for low-level nonviolent drug offenders.
Is There a Perfect Storm for Federal Sentencing Reform? [FEATURE]
It's not just Attorney General Holder's speech on sentencing reform Monday. The prospects for sentencing reform in the Congress are looking better than ever, with bills garnering bipartisan support.
Federal Judge Finds NYPD's Stop-and-Frisk Practices Unconstitutional
The NYPD's stop-and-frisk program unconstitutionally targets racial minorities, a federal judge ruled Monday. Mayor Bloomberg isn't happy, but civil libertarians and black and brown New Yorkers are.
Leahy Blocks Release of Some Mexican Drug War Aid
Citing the failure of the US and Mexican governments to respond to requests to elaborate a strategic vision for Mexican drug war assistance, Sen. Patrick Leahy has put a hold on $95 million in Plan Merida spending.
New Zealand Regulates -- Not Bans -- Synthetic Drugs
New Zealand forgot to kneejerk when confronted with new synthetic drugs. Instead of banning them, it has instead moved to regulate them. Other countries are paying attention to the innovative response.
Arkansas Medical Marijuana Initiatives Aim at 2014
One Arkansas medical marijuana initiative has been approved for signature-gathering, while a second still must win ballot title approval. But it looks like there will be two initiative campaigns there this year.
Medical Marijuana Update
Medical marijuana wars continue in California, a Michigan town gets intrusive, Nevada prepares to rake in the dough from dispensaries, and Washington patients organize in the face of legalization.
Indianapolis Drug Suspect Dies After Being Tased
An attempted drug bust turned fatal on Indianapolis's East Side Thursday night. A suspect fled, resisted, was tased, and then died.
This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories
There's trouble down South, and more out-of-control NYPD narcs cost the taxpayers.
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