David Risley

David Risley is the assistant U.S. attorney for the central district of Illinois. In the following viewpoint Risley asserts that when major drug crimes become routine in a judge’s jurisdiction, his or her tendency is to become desensitized to the seriousness of drug crimes, and to begin handing out lighter sentences. These lenient sentences are unfair to those who receive stiffer sentences for the same crime in a different jurisdiction or from a different judge. Mandatory minimum sentences are designed to prevent such disparities in sentencing. Risley also contends that complaints about “harsh” sentences for drug crimes are unfounded.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. Why does Risley believe that drug dealers should be imprisoned instead of treated?
2. What are...