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Dear DRCNet subscriber:

Drug War Chronicle editor Phil Smith is on one of his rare vacations this week, so instead we publish this "mini-bulletin. " The Chronicle will return in force on January 5 -- if you're not a Chronicle subscriber, I hope you'll check out the latest issue, which is always available at http://stopthedrugw ar.org or http://stopthedrugw ar.org/chronicle online.

CONTENTS:

1. DRCNet's "Speakeasy" Blog Keeps Readers in the Loop Every Day
2. Editorial: One of My Many Wishes for the New Yearr
3. Read About Drug Reform Victories in 2006 -- And Help Us Win More in '07!
4. This Week in History
5. Job Listing: Communications Associate, Justice Policy Institute, Washington, DC

1. DRCNet's "Speakeasy" Blog Keeps Readers in the Loop Every Day

Though Drug War Chronicle rests this holiday week, DRCNet's "Speakeasy" is hopping! Some of the recent postings include:

• "The Rack N' Roll Conspiracy," a review by DRCNet blogger Scott Morgan of a situation in Virginia being followed by the prominent Agitator blog;
• "Corruption and Misconduct: Bastard Children of the War on Drugs," also by Scott, discussing a case in Hartford, Connecticut, in which a former police officer prosecuted for misconduct was let off easy by the judge because his colleagues testified that everybody does it;
• A link to the new Monitoring The Future drug use survey results and their press release;
• My own complaint about the President only commuting one prison sentence in his annual set of pardons.

You'll also find press releases, announcements and other items from allied organizations -- visit http://stopthedrugw ar.org/speakeasy to check it out!

Also, our "Latest News" feed runs links each day to important drug policy news stories. The latest is about a Colombian Senator, whose esteemed father was assassinated while running for President by a drug cartel, who is now calling for a Congressional debate on drug legalization. Visit http://stopthedrugw ar.org to check out the Latest News and more.

2. Editorial: One of My Many Wishes for the New Year

One of the news items today -- not in drug policy -- was the filing of an ethics complaint by the North Carolina Bar Association against Mike Nifong, the now high-profile prosecutor in the case involving three Duke University lacrosse players who originally faced rape charges and are still charged with kidnapping and sexual assault. The complaint comes on the heels of a letter sent by a member of Congress from the state, asking the US Attorney General to investigate Nifong.

No, I'm not about to express a wish related to this case. I'm not familiar enough with it to express what I would consider an informed opinion, and I wouldn't post such an opinion here in this drug policy newsletter if I did. But I do know something about prosecutorial misconduct in general. For example, that a 2003 report by the Center for Public Integrity, "Harmful Error" (http://www.publicin tegrity.org/ pm/), found that it is widespread but almost never punished.

According to CPI, prosecutorial misconduct falls mainly in several categories:

• courtroom misconduct;
• mishandling of physical evidence;
• failing to disclose exculpatory evidence;
• threatening, badgering or tampering with witnesses;
• using false or misleading evidence;
• harassing, displaying bias toward, or having a vendetta against the defendant or defendant's counsel;
• improper behavior during grand jury proceedings.

(There's much more detail about these, of course, on the web site.)

Another thing I know about prosecutorial misconduct is that the most common victim of it is black or brown, and poor, is not enrolled at a prestigious university, and doesn't have the best lawyers that money can buy. Media outlets, certainly national ones, almost never focus on their cases. Often they receive the arguably sound advice that innocent or guilty they should really not fight the charges, or the outcome will be much worse. And the Bar Association won't do anything about their cases, because there are just too many.

Misconduct in the criminal justice system is by no means limited to the ranks of prosecutors. Police are also serious, perennial offenders. For example, a recent case in Hartford, Connecticut involved a retired police officer who was convicted recently of falsifying an arrest warrant. His colleagues came to his defense, arguing that this was common practice in the department. The judge gave him a special form of probation that will allow him to get his record expunged upon completion of it.

The trial has myriad implications. First, there is confirmation by actual police officers, under oath, that police officers constantly break the law in order to make arrests. Second, the officers obviously felt comfortable enough with that fact to state it publicly, before a judge. Third, the judge was okay enough with this to give the officer a sentence that it is a little more than a slap on the wrist, but not much more.

How is police and prosecutorial misconduct to be stemmed if it is tolerated? And if it isn't, how can we in the public have faith in the outcome of any criminal case?

One of my many wishes for the New Year is that fewer police and prosecutors commit misconduct, and that more complaints are filed against those who do.

3. Read About Drug Reform Victories in 2006 -- And Help Us Win More in '07!

The current issue of Drug War Chronicle features our "Top Ten" picks of victories for drug policy reform in 2006. DRCNet played a leading role in one of them -- please visit the web page to read more about it! The fight to end the "war on drugs" has come far and is going further fast!

We also published a ten biggest defeats or disappointments list. There is much work yet to be done.

Please support DRCNet with a generous end-year donation -- so there can be even more victories, and fewer defeats, next year!

• Visit http://stopthedrugw ar.org/donate to contribute online, or print out a form to send with your check by mail.
  
• Visit http://stopthedrugw ar.org to read the latest Drug War Chronicle, including our top ten lists.
  
• Visit http://stopthedrugw ar.org/twoyearpl an to read and comment on our proposed action plan. (This form also lets you donate, but does not require it.)

Feel free to select from our membership premiums as our thanks for your financial support -- a full list appears on the donation pages -- note that doing so will reduce the portion of your gift that is tax-deductible. Donations to the Drug Reform Coordination Network, our lobbying entity, are not deductible. Donations to DRCNet Foundation, our educational entity, are deductible and can be sent to the same address.

Thank you for your support and interest.

Sincerely,

David Borden
Executive Director

4. This Week in History

December 29, 1988: Judge Mark Polen, in State v Mussika, comments, "There is a pressing need for a more compassionate, humane law which clearly discriminates between the criminal conduct of those who socially abuse chemicals and the legitimate medical needs of seriously ill patients..."

December 30, 1989: Ignoring evidence to the contrary, DEA Director John Lawn orders that cannabis remain on the Schedule I narcotics list which is reserved for drugs which have no known medical use.

December 30, 1996: President Clinton approves a plan to combat new state laws legalizing marijuana for the ill and dying.

December 31, 2000: According to a Department of Justice report, State prisons are operating between full capacity and 15% above capacity, while Federal prisons are operating at 31% above capacity. The US now incarcerates nearly as many people for breaking a drug law as it incarcerated in 1980 for all offenses.

January 1, 1932: The newly established Federal Bureau of Narcotics, a unit in the Treasury Department, takes over from the Alcohol Unit of the department the enforcement of the federal anti-opiate and anti-cocaine laws. Former Assistant Prohibition Commissioner Harry J. Anslinger becomes commissioner of narcotics.

January 2, 1994: Through the emergency scheduling process, the synthetic psychedelic 2C-B (4-bromo-2,5- dimethoxypheneth ylamine) is added to the list of Schedule I drugs.

January 2, 1998: The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) backs off attempts to subpoena the names of individuals who purchased a marijuana cultivation book entitled "Marijuana Hydroponics: High-Tech Water Culture." The agency withdrew its demands after legal challenges from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and an acknowledgment from Assistant US Attorney John Stevens that the subpoenas were "unduly burdensome."

Jamuary 3, 1990: After eluding capture following the US invasion of Panama and seeking asylum in the Vatican embassy, General Manuel Noriega surrenders to the DEA, and is brought to Miami the next day.

January 4, 1986: Ronald Reagan in a radio address to the nation on relations with Mexico and Canada calls for efforts to be redoubled "to bring this illegal trade, this trafficking and the warping and destruction of human life, to the end."

5. Job Listing: Communications Associate, Justice Policy Institute, Washington, DC

The Justice Policy Institute is one of the nation's leading non-profit research and public policy organizations dedicated to ending society's reliance on incarceration and promoting effective and just solutions to social problems. JPI is located in Washington, DC and works with advocacy organizations, citizens and policymakers across the country to promote progressive criminal and juvenile justice reforms. JPI requests prospective applicants review their work at http://www.justicep olicy.org before applying.

The communications associate will assist the communications director in the development and implementation of all media and communications activities. Responsibilities will include: developing and maintaining communication lists; writing and editing media materials including press releases and advisories, op-eds, letters to the editor, articles, brochures and promotional materials; pitching stories to media on behalf of JPI, allied organizations and projects; assisting in development of communications strategies for JPI and allied organizations; maintaining website and electronic newsletters; orchestrating media and publicity events; monitoring news on adult and juvenile justice issues; tracking and cataloging media hits; managing electronic newsletter; public speaking and presentations; other communications- related administrative tasks as assigned.

Qualifications include: demonstrated understanding of and commitment to JPI's mission, issues and projects; a minimum of two years of experience in a related field, such as strategic or campaign communications, public relations, or other relevant non-profit or public sector experience; excellent written and oral communications skills; excellent interpersonal skills with diverse groups including advocates, media, non profit professionals, criminal justice systems players, and grassroots organizations; computer proficiency; web site design or maintenance skills; experience as a trainer a plus; ability to travel, and flexibility a must.

Competitive salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits provided. People of color and individuals with direct experience of the criminal justice system are strongly encouraged to apply. The Justice Policy Institute is an equal opportunity employer.

Electronic submissions are encouraged. Applicants should send a letter of interest, resume, and writing sample (preferably a press release or article) to ljones@justicepolic y.org, or, Laura Jones, Communications Associate Search, Justice Policy Institute, 1003 K Street, NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20001. No phone calls accepted.

Phillip S. Smith, Editor, psmith@drcnet. org
David Borden, Executive Director, borden@drcnet. org
StoptheDrugWar. org (DRCNet)
"Raising Awareness of the Consequences of Drug Prohibition"

DRCNet needs your support! Donations can be made by credit card at http://stopthedrugw ar.org/donate/ or sent by mail to P.O. Box 18402, Washington, DC 20036-8402. Donations to the Drug Reform Coordination Network are not tax-deductible. Deductible contributions supporting our educational work can be made by check to the DRCNet Foundation, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, same address.

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