Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Criminal Law Blogs -> Sentencing Law and Policy

Criminal Law

: Sentencing Law and Policy

State Commission reports that Illinois minorities get stiffer sentences for drug offenses

By Douglas A. Berman

As detailed in this AP report, "minority populations in Illinois face stiffer and more frequent punishment for low-level drug offenses than whites, a government commission reported Monday." Here are the specifics: The Illinois Disproportionate Justice Impact Study Commission said 19 percent of blacks arrested for Class 4 drug felonies end up in prison, compared to 4 percent of white offenders.  The study found a disproportionate number of minority arrests for drug-related crimes in 62 of 102 Illinois counties. The commission said providing alternatives to prison could cut costs and help get people off drugs.  The alternatives include substance abuse treatment and educating offenders on the consequences of prison time, such as hurting their chances of getting a job...continue to full post

Full post as published by Sentencing Law and Policy on February 01, 2011 (boomark / email).