President Barack Obama commuted the sentences of eight people convicted of drug crimes who have each serve long prison times, the White House said on Thursday, CNN reported. The president "provided relief to people convicted of crack cocaine offenses under laws calling for strict mandatory sentences. The eight offenders have each served more than 15 years in prison, which the White House said amounted to 'unduly harsh sentences issued under and outdated sentencing regime," CNN also reported.Those people would be given lighter sentences if convicted under current sentencing laws, the White House added.
"Commuting the sentences of these eight Americans is an important step toward restoring fundamental ideals of justice and fairness. But it must not be the last. In the new year, lawmakers should act on the kinds of bipartisan sentencing reform measures already working their way through Congress," Obama said in a statement
The president signed the Fair Sentencing Act in 2010.
U.S. Attorney General Eric holder announced in August that Justice Department lawyer would be given new guidelines restricting the use of mandatory minimums under some circumstances, Los Angeles Times reported.
"The commutations are part of the administration's campaign to roll back inequities in connection with mandatory minimum sentencing, particularly for possession or sale of crack cocaine. Until recently, possession of crack was punished more severely than other forms of cocaine, disproportionately impacting African Americans," The Los Angeles Times reported.
Upon receiving his Emmy Award in September, actor-producer Michael Douglas reflected on drug policies within prison system, since his son Cameron is in solitary confinement for violating laws during his incarceration. Cameron Douglas was charged for smuggling and possessing cocaine and heroin.
"I think things are going to be revived, regarding nonviolent drug addicts. My last comment on that is the United States represents 5 percent of the world's population and we have 25 percent of the world's prisoners," Douglas said.
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