PATRICK RIGHT TO TAKE ON FLAWED DRUG SENTENCING LAW

I AM thrilled that Governor Patrick is attempting to change the law
that now mandates a minimum two-to 15-year sentence for dealing drugs
within 1,000 feet of a school ("The too-long arm of the law,"
Editorial, Feb. 1). This well-intentioned law simply does not serve
its original purpose.

Anyone dealing drugs in the city is almost always within 1,000 feet
of a school; however, this is not true in suburban or rural areas.
So, a city dweller selling a small amount of marijuana to another
adult in his or her own home would be subject to prosecution, while
someone in a suburban or rural area would not.

Several years ago, I was a juror when a young father was on trial for
violating this law. In the small Dorchester courthouse, I saw this
man zipping his small children into their jackets, tying their little
hats under their chins, and hugging them. I saw how the children
looked at him, and I thought about what it would mean to take him
away from them for two years.

Even if he were guilty, I did not want that to happen. But the
evidence didn't hold up, and the judge found him not guilty.

After the trial, the judge came to speak with us. I questioned the
law, and the judge said that only a small percentage of cases brought
under this law have anything to do with children.

I never expected that any politician would risk appearing soft on
drugs by changing this law. I hope Governor Patrick is successful in doing so.

Jakki Melick

Dorchester