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Mandatory minimum sentences for drug crimes are enacted.

1988

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Congress adds "conspiracy to commit a drug offense" to a long list of crimes for which a federal mandatory minimum sentence is imposed. In the case of a “conspiracy,” it is established that every "participant" in the conspiracy can be held liable for the actions of every other member, even if they have no knowledge of the other members' actions.

This, along with many other drug offenses identified by Congress, will contribute significantly to the mass incarceration of poor, Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities.