Mandatory Sentencing
Contributed by Lela Ryterski
Judges used to decide how much time a criminal should get, depending on the circumstances.
Were the judges afraid of repercussion because of their decisions? Is that why they came up with mandatory sentencing which takes the decision and blame away from the judges? I observed a trial where the judge became a mere facilitator for the lawyers and the jury. Why then don’t we let the jury decide the sentencing?
Blanket sentencing doesn’t provide justice. It takes the humanity out of the decision and is therefore flawed and unjust. We will not have peace without justice.
I wonder if the “for profit” prisons have anything to do with this…our taxes at work to keep people in jail.
“We have it in our power to begin the world over again.” Thomas Paine from ‘Common Sense’.