MANDATORY MINIMUMS WORK IN FLORIDA

Re: "Minimum sentences are not the answer" (Editorial, May 8).

Urging the Conservatives "to back away from mandatory minimum
sentences" and concentrate instead on "effective crime prevention,"
The Gazette cites research by Thomas Gabor of the University of
Ottawa and Nicole Crutcher of Carleton University alleging that
mandatory minimum sentencing has left gun-related crime in the United
States "generally unaffected."

In 1999, the Florida legislature passed sweeping legislation
nicknamed "10-20-life" that provides for enhanced minimum mandatory
prison terms and no parole for offenders who commit crimes with guns.
In only six years, from 1998-2004, 10-20-life has helped drive down
violent gun crime rates 30 per cent, even as Florida's population
increased more than 2.5 million (16.8 per cent) during the same period.

With gun violence out of control in Toronto and Vancouver, tougher
sentencing is needed to send a clear message to armed felons that
Ottawa's tolerance is over. Legislation should also repeal the 1972
Bail Reform Act, which has effectively prevented judges from keeping
violent offenders in jail until they go to trial.

E.W. Bopp

Tsawwassen, B.C.