Sense and Sensenbrenner
Drug warriors in Congress are considering a bill that would send parents to jail for at least three years if they learn of drug activity near their children and fail to report it to authorities within 24 hours.
One wonders if this a good idea, especially in areas such as Baltimore, where intimidation and murder of government witnesses are common. But when it comes to the criminal law, Congress rarely pauses for reflection anymore.
In April, the bill's author, Republican Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner Jr. of Wisconsin, floated what might be called the"Jail Janet Jackson" initiative. Instead of enforcing the Federal Communications Commission's indecency regulations with fines on broadcasters, according to Mr. Sensenbrenner, those who violate the regulations should be subject to arrest and imprisonment...