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Sentencing Panel May Cut Crack Cocaine Terms

Nearly 20,000 people convicted of drug offenses could find out today if they'll be spending less time in prison. The U.S. Sentencing Commission may reduce the extra punishment that's given for crimes involving crack, as compared to powdered, cocaine.

The Supreme Court ruled Monday that federal judges may give lighter sentences to crack cocaine defendants than required by old federal guidelines. The commission is considering whether to change the rules retroactively.

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Nina Totenberg is NPR's award-winning legal affairs correspondent. Her reports air regularly on NPR's critically acclaimed newsmagazines All Things Considered, Morning Edition, and Weekend Edition.