30 most vicious John Oliver take downs
By Jeremy Dick
24. John Oliver destroys the concept of mandatory minimum sentences
On the surface, mandatory minimums might seem like a good thing. That’s surely why the concept became a reality in the 80s and 90s. If someone commits a crime, then later breaks that very same law again, they should expect a harsher sentence. But an increased punishment would be one thing, as severe sentences for low-level crimes are just taking it way too far.
John Oliver exposed this issue on Last Week Tonight, explaining that the number of American inmates is four times higher than it was in 1980. A huge reason for that is attributed to how many prisoners are incarcerated for non-violent and drug-related crimes. Maybe drug dealers should be arrested, but should they get life in prison for pathetically tiny amounts of drugs?
Oliver revealed the story of one man who is serving a life sentence for selling three ounces of meth. As Oliver put it, “They’re treating him like he’s Season 5 Walter White when he’s barely Episode 1 Jesse Pinkman.” Selling meth is certainly an awful thing to do, but should this guy really spend his entire life in prison? Keep in mind that this guy gets to see rapists, murderers, and child abusers all serving much less time.
Next: 23. Stadiums