A controversial federal judge in New York is fighting the idea of mandatory-minimum sentences for viewing child pornography, the New York Times reports. The minimum federal sentence is five years, but Judge Jack Weinstein argues that most of the defendants aren't threats to society and need treatment, not prison. He's thrown out one offender's conviction because it would send him to prison for too long. That attitude is raising concern among child advocates, who point out that -- even if the child-porn collectors are not actively molesting victims -- kids are still being hurt by the creation of these images.
Hat Tip: Many thanks, Keith G in PV!
