On 23 June, Buju Banton will learn his prison sentence after being found guilty of drug trafficking. The sentence will be handed down on that date by Judge Sam Gibbons. The deejay and his lawyers are working to ensure that the sentence does not exceed 15 years in prison, which is nonetheless the minimum sentence faced.
On 9 June 2011, his lawyers filed a motion for a reduction of sentence. The minimum sentence of 10 years on the drug charge, and five years for the firearm possession, are "unconstitutional", his lawyers argue, claiming that this amounts to "cruel and unusual" punishment, thus violating the 8th Amendment.
Citing the case law of United States v. Booker, they state that a sentence "calculated in accordance with the US Sentencing Guidelines (the rules that standardise sentencing policy, ed.) is no longer mandatory".
Finally, they point to the artist's limited role in the drug case, which warrants a lighter sentence, and to his good conduct. His motion for acquittal and a new trial will also be examined on 23 June.
Source: Jamaica Observer