Via ScotusBlog an interesting post on a crack cocaine sentencing case heading to the Supremes:
UPDATE Tuesday a.m. The U.S. Sentencing Commission's latest report to Congress on cocaine sentencing can be found at the Commission's website, under "Report to Congress -- Federal Cocaine Sentencing Policy." It recommends that Congress alter the 100-to-1 crack-to-powder ratio, but, in the meantime, proposes a reduction in the Sentencing Guideline range for cocaine offenses. That change in range will take effect Nov. 1 unless Congress objects. (The report is 202 pages long.)
. . .
Here is an example of how the 100-to-1 ratio works: an individual who deals five grams of crack cocaine faces the same sentence as a defendant who deals 500 grams of powder cocaine under the Guidelines.
On Monday, the Court -- long reluctant to review the 100-1 crack-to-powder ratio -- opted to grant review of a clear-cut test case on the issue. It is Kimbrough v. U.S. (docket 06-6330). The diligent efforts of a federal public defender in Alexandria, VA. -- Michael S. Nachmanoff -- appeared to have helped persuade the Court that the time had come to take on the question.
Hat Tip to Sentencing Law & Policy who has excellent commentary as usual.
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