Unjust and Counterproductive: New York's Rockefeller Drug Laws

New York's Rockefeller drug laws were created to deter drug crimes by establishing some of the toughest mandatory minimum prison sentences in the nation. But as the findings of this study illustrate, the compulsory sentencing under Rockefeller drug laws has failed to reduce recidivism. Instead, the laws have resulted in individuals, the majority of whom are minorities struggling with drug use and poverty, trapped in a cycle of prison time and unsuccessful reintegration into society.

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