At its best, the justice system metes out a punishment that fits the crime. But lawmakers, judges, and parole boards are human. And sometimes human beings make mistakes. What follows are 10 such cases: 5 times the system may have gone overboard — and 5 where the sentence might not have been harsh enough…
Am Oklahoma woman who was sentenced to 12 years in prison for selling a small amount of cannabis has been released on parole. In 2010, Patricia Spottedcrow was sentenced to 12 years in prison after selling $31 of marijuana to an undercover officer.
