Most states have mandatory sentencing laws that prevent judges from considering all the facts of the case and the person's role in it before applying the sentence.  However, some states legislatures have enacted reforms of their mandatory sentencing structures (see link to FAMM's report on state reform below) and more questioning the fairness, cost and impact of mandatory minimum sentences.  FAMM leads targeted state sentencing reform campaigns in Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey. 

Follow these links to learn more about our FAMM state campaigns: 

• Massachusetts FAMM campaign
• Michigan FAMM Campaign 
• New Jersey FAMM Campaign 
• North Carolina FAMM Campaign (suspended 2008)
• Other states

State sentencing reform resources

• FAMM: Positive Trends in State Sentencing Reform (pdf file)