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Civil Rights

Jul. 13, 2004

Courts Treat State's Less Fortunate With Blind Indifference

In the 42 years since the Supreme Court ruled in Robinson v. California 370 U.S. 660 (1962), that states could not, consistent with the Constitution, prosecute people solely because they were addicted to narcotics or alcohol, the collective conscience of California with respect to how we treat the least fortunate of us has descended into a progressively deeper and more impassive stupor. The recent plight of two such persons illustrates the point.

Robert L. Bastian Jr.

Partner Bastian & Dini

Penthouse Suite 9025 Wilshire Blvd
Beverly Hills , CA 90211

Phone: (310) 789-1955

Fax: (310) 822-1989

Email: robbastian@aol.com

Whittier Law School

In the 42 years since the Supreme Court ruled in Robinson v. California 370 U.S. 660 (1962), that states could not, consistent with the Constitution, prosecute people solely because they were addicted to narcotics or alcohol, the collective conscience of California with respect to how we treat the least fortunate of us has descended into a progressively deeper and more impassive stupor. The recent plight of two such persons illustrates the point.
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