[20210622]LSB10611_快克可卡因犯罪和2018年第一步法案：特里诉美国案概述及影响.pdf

CRS Legal Sidebar Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Legal SidebarLegal Sidebari i Crack Cocaine Offenses and the First Step Act of 2018: Overview and Implications of Terry v. United States June 22, 2021 On June 14, 2021, the Supreme Court issued an opinion in Terry v. United States, unanimously holding that a person convicted of possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine prior to enactment of the First Step Act of 2018 is eligible for a retroactive sentence reduction under the First Step Act only if the crack offense triggered a mandatory minimum sentence. This Legal Sidebar outlines relevant background related to sentencing for criminal offenses involving crack and powder cocaine, then discusses the Supreme Courts decision in Terry. The Sidebar concludes with considerations for Congress related to powder and crack cocaine sentencing. Background on Federal Cocaine Sentencing The Controlled Substances Act (CSA) imposes a comprehensive system of federal regulation on certain drugs and other substances deemed to pose a significant risk of abuse and dependence, including some prescription drugs and many recreational drugs. The CSA divides controlled substances int