In 1993, Jeff Mizanskey was sentenced to life in prison without parole for non-violent drug charges. He was a third time offender and with that Missouri gave him a harsh punishment. He has now served over 20 years in jail and has watched violent criminals convicted of rape, murder, and kidnapping complete their sentences and go free. Mizanskey is currently the only inmate in Missouri to be serving a life sentence for non-violent, cannabis-only crimes. This sentence seems quite over the top, even for a repeat offender. The state of Missouri is punishing Mizanskey more than sex offenders, arsonists, and kidnappers. Not to mention that tax payer’s dollar is going to house him in prison. The US cannot let injustices like this happen anymore. The
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This may seem shocking, but it did not seem to shock Utah’s Governor, Gary Herbert, into a decision. When asked if he would support these law reforms, his only response was that he could not yet make a decision. It seems that he might not have to just yet though, as the report will need to be taken to Utah’s legislature and approved in the next session (“Utah Looks”). This reform certainly seems as if it will be able to benefit prison population and taxpayer’s wallets; so what could possibly be opposing …show more content…
They both have genuinely great qualities about them, but with a few flaws. The proposal to soften drug charges will help balance prison overpopulation and decrease the amount of taxpayer’s money going toward funding the prisons. What it lacks is how it will help people with the disease of drug addiction. The second proposal to decriminalize illegal drugs will encourage people to seek rehabilitation, instead of the fear of punishment, and can help end drug addictions for some. It would also drop prison population rates and could raise money with a tax on drugs. However, rehabilitation would have costs similar to, or more than, using the prison system. A system needs to be proposed that will lower prison populations, cut tax payers spending, and help people quit their
This may seem shocking, but it did not seem to shock Utah’s Governor, Gary Herbert, into a decision. When asked if he would support these law reforms, his only response was that he could not yet make a decision. It seems that he might not have to just yet though, as the report will need to be taken to Utah’s legislature and approved in the next session (“Utah Looks”). This reform certainly seems as if it will be able to benefit prison population and taxpayer’s wallets; so what could possibly be opposing …show more content…
They both have genuinely great qualities about them, but with a few flaws. The proposal to soften drug charges will help balance prison overpopulation and decrease the amount of taxpayer’s money going toward funding the prisons. What it lacks is how it will help people with the disease of drug addiction. The second proposal to decriminalize illegal drugs will encourage people to seek rehabilitation, instead of the fear of punishment, and can help end drug addictions for some. It would also drop prison population rates and could raise money with a tax on drugs. However, rehabilitation would have costs similar to, or more than, using the prison system. A system needs to be proposed that will lower prison populations, cut tax payers spending, and help people quit their