The Department of Justice has adjusted a longstanding drug policy on crack. In a memo, Attorney General Merrick Garland instructed federal prosecutors to end charging and sentencing disparities in cases involving crack and powder cocaine. Federal law enforcement policy for decades called for disproportionately higher punishment for crack offenders, who are predominantly Black. Supporters argue that the disparity is warranted because crack, in smaller amounts, is more addictive than powder cocaine. Activists warn the change could be temporary unless Congress passes legislation to permanently revise sentencing guidelines.
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