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The thing I wrote we ought to look to Canada for is the…

“The thing I wrote we ought to look to Canada for is the shorter sentences. I mean, the mess we're in here, is because of the drug war and this idea of adding another five years, another 10 years, you know, like it means nothing to the people involved. It certainly does nothing for crime prevention…” quote by Peter Moskos
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“The thing I wrote we ought to look to Canada for is the shorter sentences. I mean, the mess we're in here, is because of the drug war and this idea of adding another five years, another 10 years, you know, like it means nothing to the people involved. It certainly does nothing for crime prevention - what problem are we hoping to solve?”

Peter Moskos

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The author criticizes longer prison sentences, arguing they fail to reduce crime and stem from a misguided drug war mindset.

In simple terms: Long sentences don’t stop crime; they’re ineffective.

Key Takeaway

R shorter sentences and focus on prevention.

Themes

criminal justice drug policy punishment policy reform

Mood

critical concerned

Type

analytical advocacy

When to use this quote

  • legislative debate
  • community activism
  • court sentencing
  • public health initiatives
  • prison reform

Key Concepts

deterrence rehabilitation systemic failure

Questions to Reflect On

  • What alternatives could replace long sentences?
  • How can policy address drug-related crime effectively?
A Different Perspective

Long sentences may be politically popular but ignore root causes of crime.

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