Among the causes of the incarceration epidemic in the United States are the growth of post Rockefeller drug laws, which punish minor drug offenses with major prison time; “zero tolerance”
policing; and mandatory sentencing laws. What evidence does Perkinson provide for his claims
that such policies are unjust, and particularly unfair toward African-Americans? Do you think the
public interest is ultimately served by such policies, or not? Why? Explain your answer.
