observer
What the law says
Here
is the text of the Massachusetts law establishing a mandatory minimum sentence
of two years for drug crimes in school zones.
"Any person who violates the provisions of section 32 (trafficking), while in or on, or within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising a public or private accredited preschool, accredited headstart facility, elementary, vocational or secondary school whether or not in session, or within 100 feet of a public park or playground shall be punished by a term of imprisonment in the state prison for not less than two and one-half nor more than 15 years or by imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for not less than two nor more than two and one-half years. No sentence imposed under the provisions of this section shall be for less than a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of two years. A fine of not less than one thousand nor more than ten thousand dollars may be imposed but not in lieu of the mandatory minimum two year term of imprisonment as established herein."