Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick: “first and foremost let it be known that I strongly support the protection of children from child molesters and the…”

“first and foremost let it be known that I strongly support the protection of children from child molesters and the punishment of those who molest children to the full extent of the law. I am, however, concerned that the use of mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines is not the right direction to take. This measure is another expansion of the use of mandatory minimum sentencing without the benefit of studying their true impact. Mandatory minimum sentences, particularly as they pertain to drug sentencing, have resulted in a skyrocketing prison population with no end in sight. Our prisons today are filled with nonviolent drug offenders serving harsh sentences for acts that treatment might better address. I believe that our experience in this area has shown that crimes are best assessed on a case-by-case basis, by a judge and jury of one's peers. I do not believe we should enact more legislation that takes the administration of justice away from our Nation's judges.”