STUDENTS MAY HAVE ZERO UNDERSTANDING OF THE LAW

I am not necessarily a big supporter of "zero tolerance" policies, but
I have not heard or read a good debate on the pros and cons of an
alternative, either. Maybe Karin Wanberg could provide a viable
alternative by expanding on her intriguing comments [Letters, March 23]
that "Zero tolerance pays little attention to circumstances and leaves
no room for variance in punishments based on each individual
situation." Exactly what circumstances or situation make it acceptable
or even reasonable for a high school student to use or be in
possession of drugs or alcohol?

James T. Hamilton, M.D.
Newport Beach