Drugs and Human Rights in the United States

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Sample Letter

Dear --------------:

I urge you to support comprehensive reform of the Rockefeller drug laws. For over a quarter of a century, these laws have inflicted disproportionately harsh sentences on drug offenders, restricted judicial discretion, and filled New York's prisons with low level offenders — almost all from minority communities.

I believe New York needs laws that will

reduce the number of low level drug offenders sent to prison
permit judges to impose sentences that fit the crime
increase the use of alternatives to prison, including substance abuse treatment programs.

Harsh mandatory sentences are not necessary to fight substance abuse and
keep our communities safe. I hope you will support meaningful reform to
New York's sentencing laws.

I look forward to hearing your views on drug law sentencing reform.

Sincerely,

(your name and address)

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