What is going on with the Utah judicial system?

[Cali Coug]

Originally Posted by RockyBalboa

White Soccer moms hooked on meth is huge a racial issue.

And a really huge actual problem?

[RockyBalboa]

Originally Posted by Cali Coug

And a really huge actual problem?

That's what the billboards and commercials here in Utah tell me.

[Tex]

Originally Posted by woot

One could argue that the US's treatment of drugs as a whole is a form of racism. Those convicted of possession with intent to distribute often get sentences that exceed assault or manslaughter. I don't know if I agree that it's racist, but I do think that our treatment of drug users/dealers is disproportionately severe.

Aside from this specific issue of whether the punishment fits the crime (and it appears it doesn't), I have to say: Come. On.

If a crime is disproportionatly committed by one race over the others, seemingly disproportionate prosecution and punishment is therefore racist?

Sorry, I don't buy it.

[K-dog]

First, this isn't the Utah judicial system...it is the federal judicial system. Paul is a federal judge.

Second, the mandatory sentencing guidelines are one of Cassell's favorite enemies to fight against. He believes they create inappropriate sentences and is always trying to fight them. The guidelines are primarily used in the fight against drugs and routinely are out of whack with state penalties.

Third, the real problem are those who continually send a message that we "need to be tougher on crime" to Washington D.C. Very few crimes are federal but the continued pressure on national politicians to increase their toughness on crime is resulting in continually crazy outcomes because of the lack of pressure on local politicians to do the same.

Finally, the starvation of the baby was in violation of state law. The problem is that the Utah state legislature, for good or ill, thinks it is more important to preserve the family than to protect the child. If the same case had occurred in Mass the outcome would have been different.