In the 1970s the United States government initiated the 'War on Drugs'. Soon after, states enacted legislation imposing harsh sentences for drug offenders. The public quickly voiced objections to the impacts of the sentencing laws. States changed their laws, claiming the changes were a response...

In the 1970s and 1980s the United States government initiated what we call the 'War on Drugs.' Soon after, state governments began to enact new legislation imposing mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenders, and eliminating judicial discretion in imposing sentences. It was not long,...