The fight to repeal mandatory minimum sentencing has been gaining ground since the early 1990's. A major contributor to the movement is the interest group Families Against Mandatory Minimums. FAMM was established in 1991 to combat an onslaught of mandatory minimum sentences that were rolling through Congress. The group's members include prisoners and their families, attorneys, judges, criminal justice experts and concerned citizens.
FAMM's Mission
"Families Against Mandatory Minimums is the national voice for fair and proportionate sentencing laws. We shine a light on the human face of sentencing, advocate for state and federal sentencing reform, and mobilize thousands of individuals and families whose lives are adversely affected by unjust sentences."
How they are working toward sentencing reform
Families Against Mandatory Minimums has lobbyists in every state, as well as Washington DC, so they can promote individualized sentences for people convicted of crimes. Also, the group provides opportunities opportunities for the media to spread their message through informative sessions.
A Leading Voice in FAMM
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony M. Kennedy has come out in support of FAMM's mission. In one of Justice Kennedy Opinions, he stated "I can accept neither the necessity nor the wisdom of federal mandatory minimum sentences. In too many cases mandatory minimum sentences are unwise and unjust."
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