Draconian Drug Laws
Are they getting too harsh?
Racism in drug laws
Drug laws have been in place for hundreds of years. They have almost always been racially targeted. The laws may have served good purposes when they were created but are now losing relevance and are now hindering instead of helping the United States. The U.S.A. needs to learn that change isn't always bad. Fifty-eight% of the prison population in 2008 was made up of Hispanics and African-Americans even though they together are only 1/4 of the population of the U.S.
A graph of Drug penalties for first time users
Racism in Conviction
Even though this graph is kind of outdated its is still a prime example of racism in convictions.
Works Cited
"Criminal Justice Fact Sheet." NAACP. N.p., n.d. Web. 01 Mar. 2014.
"How Did It Come about That Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Drug Offenses Were Passed in 1986?" PBS. PBS, n.d. Web. 02 Mar. 2014.