Mandatory minimums have existed in the United States for two centuries, but became heavily enforced as a result of President Richard Nixon's War on Drugs. Mandatory minimums exist to punish repeat drug offenders. Many of these mandatory incarceration times act as a three strike rule. After the third incident, the offender is given life in prison. This applies to drug users, as well as drug traffickers. These laws also affect those affiliated with dangerous narcotics, like cocaine, and less serious mediums, such as marijuana. 

So, are mandatory minimums a good idea? 

Liberals say no. The eighth amendment protects citizens from cruel and unusual punishment. Sentencing someone to life in prison, just for smoking marijuana three times is immensely cruel. There are many people who traffic drugs to support their families, so instead of imprisoning them, we should help them find a career that does not involve illegal activity. Mandatory minimums tend to be applied to minorities. Somebody should not be ripped away from their lives, just because of racist tendencies in a court of law.

Conservatives say yes. Marijuana, while not an extremely harmful drug, is still illegal. People that commit illegal acts should be imprisoned. If you break the law several times, it shows that you do not learn from your mistakes, and thus deserve to have long prison sentences. Mandatory minimums are a necessity. If there is a potential of serving life in prison, a user or pusher will think twice before breaking the law. They are fair, and do exist for a reason.

Where do you stand?