P.G. Sittenfeld on Crime

Mandatory minimum sentencing causes black mass incarceration

That America has less than 5% of the world's population--but 25% of the world's total prison population--is both shocking and disgraceful. At a time when crime has fallen to historic lows all across the nation, it is outrageous that nearly a third of all black males will spend at least part of their lives in prison.

Over-incarceration does little to reduce crime. But it does a lot to destroy families, burden taxpayers, and increase joblessness. Right now, 1 out of every 28 children has a parent in prison. Taxpayers spend about $80 billion a year to keep them there.

[We should] rethink arbitrary, mandatory minimum sentencing, especially for low-level, non-violent offenses that are more effectively--and more cheaply--handled through probation and diversion programs