George Allen

In the following testimony, George Allen asserts that mandatory minimum sentences for drug dealers are desirable and should be increased. He contends that these sentences are justified because illegal drug traffic leads to more crime and an increased rate of adolescent drug use. Allen also argues that increasing the punishment for powder cocaine, as well as other drugs, is the best way to eliminate the disparity that exists between sentences for possession of crack cocaine and sentences for possession of powder cocaine. Allen is a former governor of Virginia. The following viewpoint was taken from testimony he gave before the House Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy, and Human Resources in May 2000.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to reports cited by Allen, what proportion of youth between the ages of twelve and...