Repeal the Rockefeller Drug Laws

Resolution Adopted by the NY Democratic State Convention

Albany NY,  May 17, 2000 

 

            WHEREAS, the number of persons incarcerated in New York State prisons has increased from 12,500 in 1973 to more than 71,000 today, and 

            WHEREAS, a large proportion of this increased number of prisoners have been nonviolent drug offenders receiving mandatory sentences under the “Rockefeller drug laws” who could be treated more effectively and at much lower cost in drug treatment programs, and 

            WHEREAS, the sentences required by the Rockefeller drug laws are unreasonably and unnecessarily harsh, for example, 15 years-to-life (the same as for murder) for mere possession, not sale, of as little as four ounces of certain narcotic substances, and even Judges are allowed no discretion to refuse to impose such draconian sentences,           

            NOW, THEREFORE, be it hereby RESOLVED, by the delegates to the Democratic State Convention assembled in Albany, NY, that: 

            The Rockefeller drugs laws should be repealed, and replaced with a reasonable range of penalties and restored discretion for Judges to require drug treatment instead of incarceration. 

            Resolution written and introduced by Lawrence C. Moss, Adopted by the Reform Caucus of the Democratic State Committee, Opposed by the Resolutions Committee and the Executive Committee of the Democratic State Committee, Amended on Motion of Bruce Feld, and Adopted by the Democratic State Convention meeting in Albany, NY on May 17, 2000.