CRACKS IN THE SYSTEM.
Published In: ABA Journal, 2025. P. 50 1 of 3
Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3
Authored By: ENGELSON, ANDREW 3 of 3
Abstract
The article focuses on the ongoing efforts to address the racial disparities in sentencing for crack versus powder cocaine, highlighting the case of Norm Brown, who was sentenced to life in prison for crack cocaine offenses. For decades, federal law imposed a 100-to-1 sentencing disparity, which was reduced to 18-to-1 by the Fair Sentencing Act of 2010, yet significant racial inequities persist, with a disproportionate number of Black individuals affected. Despite some legislative attempts to eliminate this disparity, including recent bills sponsored by Senators Cory Booker and Dick Durbin, progress has been slow, and many individuals continue to serve lengthy sentences for nonviolent drug offenses. The article also discusses the historical context of the crack epidemic and its impact on mass incarceration, as well as recent initiatives aimed at reforming sentencing practices. [Extracted from the article]
Additional Information
- Source:ABA Journal. 2025/08, p50
- Document Type:Article
- Subject Area:Law
- Publication Date:2025
- ISSN:0747-0088
- Accession Number:187439472
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