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The "650-lifer" law is passed in Michigan.

1978

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Michigan, a state with some of the most severe mandatory minimum sentences, passes a “650-lifer” law mandating life in prison for anyone convicted of possessing, either directly or as part of a conspiracy, 650 grams or more of cocaine, which is less than the weight of a loaf of bread.

It also mandates a 20-30 year sentence for amounts between 225-650 grams.

JeDonna Young, one of the first individuals convicted under the Michigan law, will serve 21 years in prison for simply being with her boyfriend in a car where drugs were found, although she denies knowing they were there. This tough sentences will be reduced in 1988 but will be reinstated in 1989.

The law will not be repealed until 2002.