Justice Department had sought to lessen sentences for crack offenders under First Step Act and Fair Sentencing Act.
This past week the Supreme Court ruled in Terry v. United States that crack cocaine convictions that did not trigger mandatory minimum sentences are not eligible for reduced sentencing. The Department of Justice under President Biden’s administration had sought to lessen the sentence under the Fair Sentencing Act and the First Step Act.
Justice Clarence Thomas wrote the unanimous opinion, stating “the Fair Sentencing Act addressed ‘cocaine sentencing disparity,’ and subparagraph (C) had never differentiated between crack and powder offenses.” He continued, “We will not convert nouns to adjectives and vice versa… ‘statutory penalties’ references the entire phrase ‘a violation of a Federal criminal statute.'”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the Supreme Court as opinions are considered and rulings issued.
- For discernment for the Court as they choose which cases will be heard in the next term.
- For the justices to seek God’s guidance as they hear cases.
Sources: USA Today, Washington Free Beacon, The Supreme Court
