TIME TO REFORM MANDATORY SENTENCES

As a graduate student working toward a degree in criminal justice, I am
concerned about the current debate over the Rockefeller drug laws. Your
June 30 article discussed some of the tensions that exist among
politicians. Fearing a "soft on crime'' image, many politicians are
unwilling to reform mandatory minimum sentencing laws. Unfortunately, such
politicians do not realize the social economic consequences of these harsh
and irrational laws.

I am in agreement with General McCaffrey's opinion that discretion be given
back to the judges. Each case is unique, and a range of sentencing options
should be available. Instead, the judge is mandated to enforce the strict
Rockefeller laws. Judges are more qualified to determine sentencing than
politicians are. Perhaps we should allow them to do their job.

I have read General McCaffrey's speech on drug laws, and it is not
partisan. Many Republicans, including Chief Justice Rehnquist, are critical
of mandatory minimum sentences. This is not a partisan issue. Rather, it is
a matter of common sense. Mandatory minimum sentences for nonviolent drug
offenders are costly, ineffective, and disproportionate to the offense.

One hopes that General McCaffrey's words are true: "Rational arguments pay
off.'' As more and more people are beginning to recognize the irrationality
of mandatory minimum sentences, perhaps we will see some real change in the
laws.

LAURA BENNETT