New DOJ appointee supports decriminalizing simple possession of all drugs

The war on the "War on Drugs" continues, as the President appointed Vanita Gupta to acting head of the DOJ Civil Rights Division. Gupta apparently supports decriminalizing the simple possession of all drugs. (Cite). Professor Berman at the Sentencing Law and Policy Blog cautions that the term "decriminalize" does not equate to legalizing the drugs. Still, it would have been unheard of a few years ago for the head of a key DOJ department to take such a position. Of course, one person's position is not a DOJ policy, but positions can become policies, particularly when held by key officials. Raleigh federal criminal defense attorneys and Raleigh drug crime lawyers in particular should keep an eye on these subtle, yet hopeful developments.