For Voice of America May 2009
If you’re caught with “intent to distribute” 5 grams of crack cocaine in the United States, federal law mandates a 5 year minimum prison sentence. But it takes 500 grams of powder cocaine to trigger the same mandatory minimum.
This piece seeks to explain the what, the why and the how of this bizarre, seemingly unfair sentencing policy. It was intended for an international audience who might be interested to know that there is controversy in the American criminal justice system.
100:1 Crack Cocaine Disparity from Gabe Joselow on Vimeo.
I met some of the most interesting people reporting this piece. Because of the time restraints on tv reporting, I could only use the smallest fragments of their interviews. And its a shame. The Garrison family I feel especially could have used more time to explain their case. They were most likely innocent, and set up by a drug dealer who took a plea bargain for a lesser-sentence — underscoring another controversial aspect of our criminal justice system
Then there’s Eric Sterling who helped craft the sentencing legislation and is now fighting against it. He explained in our interview that the death of Maryland basketball star Len Bias triggered the urgent call for harsh cocaine sentencing.
See more on Len Bias here in this amazing documentary “Without Bias” that explores the circumstances of his death and the chaotic aftermath.
