How Did Nelson R. Rockefeller Create New Drug Laws?
analytical Essay
1603 words
On January 3, 1973 Governor Nelson R. Rockefeller first proposed to create new drug laws that would help fight the current war on drugs that was taking over New York City. Rockefeller proposed to sentence anyone who committed a level A-1 felony, which is the highest level, would be sentence to minimum 15 years to life in prison. There was much controversy on these laws. Some were happy that a stand was finally being made; they wanted the streets to be cleaned of drugs. Others saw it as a racism tactic, to put all African Americans and Hispanics behind bars. In the end these new drug laws went into effect on May 8 1973 and were named after Rockefeller himself, Rockefeller drug laws. In the beginning of Life on The Outside, readers are introduced to Elaine Bartlett. She is a 26 year old woman, who lives in the projects and working …show more content…
In this essay, the author
- Explains that governor nelson r. rockefeller proposed to create new drug laws that would help fight the current war on drugs that was taking over new york city.
- Introduces elaine bartlett in life on the outside, a 26-year-old woman who lives in the projects and works off the books to support herself and her four children.
- Narrates how lora tucker convinced elaine to apply for clemency for the second time after 13 years in prison. randy credico listened to her story and vowed to help.
- Narrates how elaine's 16th year at bedford hills was a step in the right direction, but there was so much more she would face and have to overcome.
- Analyzes how elaine's struggle to find a job was not her only problem. she believed she had already paid for her crime, but continued to follow the protesting and randy.
- Describes how elaine and nathan were convicted of a level a-1 felony and were sentenced to life and 25 years in jail.
This was finally a step in the right direction but there was so much more Elaine would face and have to overcome. Not only would she have to be on parole for a minimum of three years, she’d have to find employment, and she’d have to find a way to fix her broken family. Coming out of prison proved to be more difficult then Elaine had first thought. She realized that just how she pretended her kids had also pretended, they were all falling apart living in a run down apartment, doing drugs, in jail, or on the brink of a breakdown. Elaine thought it was her job to fix her family, start fresh with her children. Even bigger Elaine wanted to continue on with Randy and change the laws that had caused her and her family such heartache. While looking for work and fighting for a way for her family to get better housing arrangements, she would attend protest, rallies, and anything else were her voice would be heard. Elaine would share her story so that others could understand how affected society was by these drastic
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- every?Rockefeller Drug Laws?opinion essay“Rockefeller Drug Laws” In May of 1973, New York’s Governor, Nelson Rockefeller, made a set of strict anti-drug laws for the state legislature. The purpose of these laws was to stop the drug abuse epidemic that was occurring in New York during the early 1970’s. It was the most severe law in the nation; the drug laws were to punish those who possessed and sold heavy amounts of narcotics like cocaine and heroine and to hold them in custody for the amount they possessed or sold. For example, if the person was caught with the possession of two or four ounces of drugs on them the minimum time in a federal prison would be 15 years to life, no matter what age (if the offender was of 15 years of age or older).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that new york was spending money to keep offenders in prison but the people paying for it were the citizens. many judges and politicians rebelled at the state legislature to either put an end to the law or break it down.
- Opines that drug laws can be more fair, like having more first time offenders in the shock programs, since serving 15 to life for driving with someone possessing an ounce of cocaine without knowing is exaggerated and ridiculous.
- Opines that drug dealers shouldn't be punished as if they had killed someone. they feel that not everyone should be sentenced to prison.
- Opines that drug dealing is still going on and it won't stop any time soon. the article "criminal justice through the looking glass, or winning by losing" illustrates how effective laws aren’t
- Explains that the rockefeller drug laws was the most severe anti-drug law in the nation. it was to stop the drug epidemic that was occurring in new york during the early 1970's.
1558 wordsRead More - Argumentative Essay On Legalization Of Marijuanaexplanatory essayThe Uniform State Narcotic Act, final-drafted in 1932, was a result of the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws. It was argued that the traffic in narcotic drugs should have the same regulations in all of the states. The committee at the convention took into consideration the fact that the federal government had already passed laws regarding this issue. Many people assume that these laws were necessary, however, they were revenue producing and did not give the states the authority to exercise police power in regard to seizure of drugs. As a result of this act, the FBN was able to encourage state governments to have some regulation of
In this essay, the author
- Explains that there is a lot of controversy today over the legalization of marijuana. although some states have legalized the recreational or medical use of it, others are hesitant.
- Explains that marijuana has been used as an agent for achieving euphoria since ancient times. it spread from china to india, north africa, and then to parts of europe around ad 500.
- Explains that marijuana was first used as a medication for rheumatism, gout, malaria, and absent-mindedness, but people considered its medicinal value to be more important.
- Explains that marijuana was most commonly used in india and muslims used it recreationally, as alcohol consumption was banned by the koran. muslims introduced the hashish, an extract of the cannabis plant that contained concentrated psychoactive resins.
- Explains that the spanish brought marijuana to the new world in 1545, but it was introduced by the english in 1611 in jamestown. by 1890, hemp was replaced by cotton as a major cash crop.
- Explains that the popularity of marijuana was brought about by prohibition laws. it was restricted to jazz musicians and other people in show business.
- States that marijuana was prescribed for labor pains, nausea, and rheumatism from 1850 to 1942 in the united states pharmacopeia. the us federal bureau of narcotics conducted a survey to convey marijuana as an addictive substance that leads users into narcotics addiction
- Explains that marijuana was an accessory of the beat generation in the 1950s and 1960s. in 1970, the controlled substance act classified marijuana, along with heroin and lsd, as a schedule i drug.
- Explains that the "zero tolerance" climate produced by both reagan and bush administrations resulted in strict laws and mandatory sentences regarding possession of marijuana, and smuggling the drug across southern borders.
- Opines that the government has the final say on the legalization of marijuana in the united states. there are a lot of regulations regarding marijuana use and sale.
- Explains that the uniform state narcotic act, final-drafted in 1932, was a result of the national conference of commissioners on uniform state laws.
- Explains that the marijuana tax act made possession or transfer of cannabis illegal throughout the us under federal law, but imposed a tax on all sales of hemp.
- Explains that the marijuana tax act was deemed unconstitutional in 1969 as a result of the leary v. united states trial.
- Explains that colorado representative jared polis introduced a bill that decriminalized marijuana, treating it like alcohol, and it hasn't yet been approved.
- States that the no welfare for weed act was passed in 2014 and approved by the house of representatives in september of 2014.
- Explains that the us government sued oakland cannabis buyers'cooperative for violating federal laws created as a result of the controlled substances act of 1970.
- Explains that gonzales v. raich was a supreme court case that ruled that even where businesses/persons in cooperation with state-approved medical cannabis programs are lawfully distributing or possessing it, they are still violating federal law.
- Explains that marijuana is created from the dried, shredded flowers, leaves, and seeds of the hemp plant, cannabis sativa. the primary active ingredient is delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol.
- Explains that marijuana is the most common illegal drug used in the united states. the first law regarding marijuana was passed in 1619.
- Estimates that about 162 million adults use marijuana at least once per year, and 22.5 million use it daily. it is the most popular recreational, mood-altering substance used, after alcohol.
- Opines that marijuana should be legalized in every state for recreational use. it is a person’s choice to smoke it or not.
- Concludes that the legalization of marijuana is a big deal to many people. although there is controversy regarding the topic, states that have marijuana legalized benefit from the taxes it receives.
1754 wordsRead More - How Do Drug Laws Become Too Harshanalytical essayWith the large amount of inmates, the laws that were approved by Congress in 1986 and 1988 were seen as too harsh. For example, Dorothy Gaines, who was a nurse and PTA mom, had her home in Alabama raided by the police looking for drugs in 1993. She was charged by federal prosecutors with drug conspiracy since her boyfriend was a courier in a drug deal. Gaines had to serve a 19-year sentence and leave behind three children even though she claims that she didn’t even know that her boyfriend was involved in any drug deals (Ungrady, 2011, p. 152). This is an example of how the drug laws were sometimes cruel and unfair. In other cases, a prisoner went on to describe his 20-year sentence for selling crack as “over-kill” and claims that it didn’t take him all those years to learn from what he did (Ungrady, 2011, p. 155). With such strict laws, it led to sentences and punishment that were not necessary.
In this essay, the author
- Analyzes how the laws that were approved by congress in 1986 and 1988 were seen as too harsh. dorothy gaines, a nurse and pta mom, had her home raided by the police in 1993.
- Analyzes how the government agreed that the laws were too harsh. the fair sentencing act eliminated a mandatory minimum for simple possession of crack and reduced the mandatory-minimum sentence disparity for cocaine.
- Opines that the drug issue was also magnified at the state department after bias's death.
- Explains that bias's death was felt in sports associations and their drug policies. nba teams began hiring professionals to investigate what active and prospective players had been doing outside of basketball.
- Explains that in 1987, 14 people were killed in maryland in an amtrak train crash while the conductor was under the influence of marijuana, and the sudden death of bias, congress passed the drug-free workplace act.
- Analyzes how bias's mother, lonise, ensured that her son died for a purpose, to prevent drug abuse. she goes to schools around the country and speaks against drugs to educate the youth.
771 wordsRead More - The War on Drugs: Drug Sentencing Reformopinion essayDrug Sentencing Reform The Judiciary Branch of the United States government is responsible for interpreting the law. Those involved with this branch determine the meaning of the laws and decide what to do with those who break them. Because of a drug movement that took place through the 1980s, the courts have severely punished those who break laws associated to drugs; Congress is now trying to step in to change the way the Judiciary Branch is forced to punish such criminals. Congress has been busy the past couple of years evaluating the proper sentencing of those convicted of drug crimes.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that congress is trying to change the way the judiciary branch is forced to punish such criminals.
- Explains that the war on drugs began with the presidential term of president nixon in the 1970s.
- Explains that while nixon made it a major crime to possess and distribute drugs, several states went against his belief and decriminalized the use of marijuana. president ronald reagan came roaring into office with his firm beliefs on drugs.
- Opines that america is leading toward making drug penalties less cruel. according to recent polls, citizens are ready for a step by congress.
- Analyzes how the case of weldon angelos is a prime example of why drug sentencing reform is needed.
- Opines that the mandatory minimum set for the use of drugs such as marijuana is in need of reform.
- Opines that president obama has a different view on drug sentencing. he wants to help addicts by placing them in institutions to break the craving.
- Argues that the next presidential campaign will include discussion on drug sentencing reform because of the economic costs that include it.
- Explains why people would oppose a reform of drug sentencing because of the statement it makes to current and future drug users.
- Analyzes how stephanie nodd's life is a perfect example of why grace and reduced sentences are needed for drug crimes.
1180 wordsRead More - Mandatory Minimum Sentences Are Not Effectiveanalytical essayThe United States enacted mandatory minimum sentences for drug convictions beginning in 1951 with the Boggs Act. The Boggs Act provided both mandatory minimum sentences for first-time drug convictions and it increased the length of sentences for subsequent convictions. In 1956, the Narcotics Control Act increased the minimum sentences spelled out in the Boggs Act. It also forbade judges from suspending sentences or imposing probation in cases where they felt a prison sentence was inappropriate. In 1970, the Nixon Administration and Congress negotiated a bill that sought to address drug addiction through rehabilitation; provide better tools for law enforcement in the fight against drug trafficking and manufacturing; and provide a more balanced scheme of penalties for drug crimes. The final product, the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970, repealed man...
In this essay, the author
- Explains that mandatory minimum prison sentences are punishments that are set through legislation for specific offenses. the four traditional goals of punishment are deterrence, incapacitation, retribution, and rehabilitation.
- Explains that the united states enacted mandatory minimum sentences for drug convictions beginning in 1951 with the boggs act. the nixon administration and congress negotiated a bill that sought to address drug addiction through rehabilitation.
- Explains that states began setting their own policies with regard to mandatory minimums shortly thereafter. in 1973, new york passed the rockefeller drug laws that imposed mandatory 15-year and life sentences.
- Explains governor engler's changes to the law in 2003. mandatory minimums for almost all drug offenses were repealed, lifetime probation was eliminated, and sentencing guidelines were created.
- Explains that while states and congress are passing protections for defendants, challenges to mandatory sentencing laws have been rejected by the us supreme court.
- Argues that mandatory minimum sentencing laws would fix problems with racial or cultural bias in sentence. blacks and hispanics are disproportionately represented in the prison population.
- Argues that drug use is a crime, and should be punished. the drug treatment alternative to prison (dtap) program in brooklyn, new york, reduces recidivism, increases employment and saves money over incarceration.
- Explains that the checks and balances system of the united states government was set forth in the us constitution to ensure that branches of government had certain areas of responsibility.
- Cites campbell, j. (n.d.). the boggs act of 1951. a brief history of federal mandatory minimum sentencing for federal drug offenses.
- Explains that mandatory minimum sentences (n.d.) were retrieved from the connecticut general assembly website.
1318 wordsRead More - There is no shortage of information chronicling the destruction that has been done in the lives of numerous of individuals and numerous loved one of those individuals by the severely harsh sentencing laws passed by our United States Congress and our state legislatures commencing in the late 1980s in what is called to be “War on Drugs.” Some of our past and present political influential leaders have chooses to minimize utilizing their Pardon Power.
In this essay, the author
- Opines that the harsh sentencing laws passed by the united states congress and our state legislatures began in the late 1980s in what is called the "war on drugs."
- Explains that ronald reagan was a non-political influencer who held the position of duty attorney general and managed presidents advisement for clemency pardon powers.
- Explains that under massachusetts governor and presidential candidate michael dukakis, he approved for a furlough of willie horton, who was guilty of rape and murder.
- Reports that during the administration of former president george w. bush, he received more than 11,000 clemency requests and granted only 189 pardons and 11 commutations. reed prior was not one of those who still must be delayed by the system.
- Opines that it is comforting to believe that reed prior case is irregular, not common in our criminal justice system, and has no flaws, working exceptionally for all americans.
- Opines that elected governors and presidents have decided that their clemency pardon powers does not warrant a high-priority at the time when the countries drug laws would be defined by stricter guidelines.
- Explains that governor jennifer granholm of michigan used her clemency pardon power during her leadership.
- Explains that the growing population has included a small but significant number of aging prisoners serving lwop for violating the so-called 650 lifer law. the governor has surpassed her colleagues by granting 124 commutations.
- Explains that president barack obama had not granted a single commutation or pardon since taking office on january 20, 2009. the president office is still responsible for previous filed applications before his administration not to include the 2,500.
- Opines that granting executive clemency to an offender should be deserving of the respect done by this country political leaders such as the president or states governor.
- Opines that the justice system must connect with attorneys and civil rights organizations to initiate the process of clemency for those candidates that meet the standards of the program.
- Explains that clemency has the potential to advance legal, sentencing, or prison reform agendas. after time has elapsed in the concern of prison conditions, an offender’s illness and health could rapidly deteriorate.
- Opines that americans must remain optimistic that those elected will generate legislations that are more practical with respect to the offense which attorney will practice and our clemency pardon powered elected officials will be able to manage their decisions for any presented candidates request.
- Explains that the clemency process has been used to mitigate the kind of injustice within our legal system faced by people who are considered offenders.
- Argues that the cost of imprisoning non-violent offenders is fiscally unsustainable. increased exercise of the executive clemency power by the president is a step in the right direction.
1145 wordsRead More - In Charge of Our Own Bodiesargumentative essayApproaching the “Roaring Twenties” the Volstead Act, prohibiting alcohol consumption, was enacted. An effort to reduce crime and dictate morals, the controversial reach of government intervention into personal life took an intrusive new twist. Initially overcoming a presidential veto, Andrew Volstead’s new act was initially popular amongst the majority. And it was effective for quite some time. Eventually, escalating crime rates, as well as an ever changing society, helped bring about its demise. Similarly, the Controlled Substances Acts’ purpose lies in enforcing the use of drugs on the federal level (Teaching with Documents).
In this essay, the author
- Explains that alcohol and marijuana have long shared a confused, often paradoxical, legality. the volstead act was enacted in the early nineteen-twenties in an effort to reduce crime.
- Explains that the volstead act, prohibiting alcohol consumption, was enacted in the "roaring twenties" to reduce crime and dictate morals.
- Explains that in 1925, in cities throughout the nation many were enjoying their favorite past time: drinking alcohol. alcohol was illegal, but easily accessible in the form of speakeasies.
- Explains that the volstead acts' demise was paramount to the decline of organized crime.
- Analyzes the devastating effect of the volstead act in terms of legal consequences. over half a million people were arrested, at significant cost to the taxpayer.
- Compares the volstead act with the controlled substances act, which was enacted through the nixon administration. the rise of notorious drug cartels is a good example.
- Opines that legalization of marijuana is a touchy subject, since families are hurt by strict enforcement of the drug. the sale is big business and is unlikely to change simply because of laws prohibiting consumption.
- Analyzes how marijuana use is shrouded under a veil of mystery. propaganda instilled in americans' minds was deliberate and severe.
- Concludes that the volstead acts' rescindment is a terrible onslaught on our liberties at the core level.
1095 wordsRead More - The War on Drugsanalytical essayThe so called “war on drugs” was declared in 1971 by President Richard Nixon. President Nixon significantly increased the manpower of several federal drug control agencies, as well as their presence on the front line. President Nixon used tactics such as mandatory sentencing for drug offenders, and no-knock w...
In this essay, the author
- Examines the history of the war on drugs in the united states, how other countries deal with drugs, and lists the positive and negative aspect of legalizing illicit drugs.
- Explains that the swiss government wants to legalize cannabis and put state provisions of heroin to addicts on a permanent legal footing.
- Explains that latin american countries suggested legalization and decriminalization of illicit drugs as an effective approach to reduce drug violence. legalization reduces cartel influence, unpacks overcrowded prisons, and eradicates police corruption.
- Argues that decriminalization or legalization of illicit drugs will reduce violent crimes, solve the problem of overcrowded prisons, and save taxpayers billions of dollars annually.
- Opines that drug legalization in latin america could be the answer.
- Explains that we are the drug policy alliance, a brief history of the drug war.
- Explains that the first anti-drug laws were established in the 1800s because of the specific ethnic groups associated with particular drugs, such as chinese opium, blacks cocaine, and mexicans marijuana.
- Explains that marijuana is a greenish-brown mixture of dried leaves, stems, seeds, and flowers that contains the psychoactive chemical delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or thc.
- Explains that the benefits of legalizing illicit drugs are numerous and obvious to the supporters of this movement.
1571 wordsRead More - Generation Pothead Research Paperexplanatory essayAs a whole, the US had too many laws, and police agencies, along with courts were having a hard time keeping track of every law. The Controlled Substance Act tapered the list to a more precise and easy to read statute for drug offenses. You could essentially look at a chart, see what drug was obtained during the offenses, and pick a punishment. Another problem was the Vietnam war. It lasted a total of 20 years from November 1955, to April 1975. Soldiers were coming back from war with PTSD, and needed a route for help. Some took a legal route, while others resorted to drug use. Before soldiers came home, they began drug use while fighting in Vietnam. There was a growing amount of servicemen in Vietnam who decided to use narcotics and marijuana to pull the psychological pain of a brutal war. (Arria, Motherboard/Vice) It is believed that many soldiers carried marijuana and heroin with them while the fought throughout Vietnam. While the fighting was going on overseas, you could say a party was happening here stateside. There was an epidemic of marijuana smoking and use of LSD across the country. The National Institute for Drug Abuse released a study that observed marijuana smokers of the 1970’s, compared to now. This study conducted on 8th to 12th graders. In the 1970’s, 1 in every 11 high school seniors were daily marijuana smoker, compared to 1 in every 16 in 2010. (Dr. Johnston, Medscape) The government didn’t like the idea of the youth being so highly drawn to an illegal substance. They worked with law makers, and doctors to see if it had any medical benefits, and tested the likelihood for dependence, eventually classifying marijuana as a schedule
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the controlled substance act categorizes drugs based on the severity of abuse and any medical benefits. the drug enforcement agency enforces this act and preforms drug busts.
- Explains how the harrison act was replaced by the controlled substance act (csa) in 1970, which classified drugs based on their potential to be abused, likelihood of dependency, and medical use.
- Explains that the controlled substance act tapered the list to a more precise and easy to read statute for drug offenses.
- Explains that marijuana is harmless and needs to be rescheduled, but it's not as easy as it sounds.
- Explains that rescheduling marijuana legally requires a petition from the attorney general, an outside party, or the secretary of health and human services.
- Explains the dea's mission to enforce the controlled substance act of 1970, which is the largest and most accomplished anti-drug organization in the world.
1760 wordsRead More - America's War on Drugs: Policy and Problemsanalytical essayHowever, before the specific outcomes of Congressional influence and policy impact can be evaluated it becomes important to first review the general history and current situation of drugs today. Our present drug laws were first enacted at the beginning of the century. At the time, recreational use of narcotics was not a major social issue. The first regulatory legislation was for the purpose of standardizing the manufacturing and purity of pharmaceutical products. Shortly after, the first criminal laws were enacted which addressed opium products and cocaine. Although some states had prohibited the recreational use of marijuana, there was no federal criminal legislation until 1937. By contrast, the use of alcohol and its legality was a major social issue in United States in the early 20th century. This temperance movement culminated in the prohibition of alcohol from 1920 to 1933. Recreational drug use, particularly heroin, became more prevalent among the urban poor during the early ?60s. Because of the high cost of heroin and its uncertain purity, its use was associated with crime and frequent overdoses.
In this essay, the author
- Explains that the profits made in the illegal drug trade provide a strong incentive for corruption by law-enforcement officials.
- Analyzes how the prosecution of drug users and dealers has taxed the criminal justice system millions of dollars.
- Argues that social groups and elite individuals exert influence on policy makers to sustain the war on drugs and have systematically ignored evidence against the effectiveness of current drug laws.
- Analyzes how johns argues that the real purpose of the war on drugs is social control, both at home and abroad.
- Analyzes how fenno argues that all house members have three primary goals: reelection, power inside congress, and good public policy.
- Explains mccaffrey, barry r., "reducing drug use and its consequences in america."
- Analyzes america's war on drugs by examining its general drug history and how congress has influenced its ineffective drug policy.
- Argues that the war on drugs has been a failure of the most expensive kind.
- Argues that drug prohibition policies create more problems than they solve, such as increased violence, negative health effects, corruption, misallocation of resources, and an overload of the criminal justice system.
- Argues that the war on drugs is concerned with the civil liberties of american citizens.
- Explains that congress has passed numerous laws in efforts to prohibit legal drug use, including the harrison act of 1914, the federal narcotics control board, and the boggs act.
- Opines that the reelection hypothesis is the driving factor behind the continued irrational, inefficient and ineffective drug prohibition policies.
- Argues that the provision of information on the failed drug wars to the public can lead to a change of attitudes.
- Cites beckett, katherine, bertram, eva, morris blachman, kenneth sharpe, and peter andreas.
- Explains hatsukami, fischman, hill, quaile, and hinton-andersson's "pathways of representation: a causal analysis of public opinion-policy linkages."
- Cites meier, kenneth j., miller, warren e. and stokes. musto, d.f. 1987. "the history of legislative control over opium, cocaine, and their derivations."
- Explains that siegel, mark a., nancy r. jacobs, and jacquelyn f. quiram, editors. 1997. illegal drugs: america's anguish.
4902 wordsRead More