What might 2009 have in store for . . . drug sentencing law and policy?

Continuing the 2009 "what's in store" series, let's turn to drug sentencing law and policy.  In this area, the social attitudes and legal approaches adopted by the new Obama Administration are likely to be critical.  Even though the majority of drug crimes are handled at the state level, how federal authorities set priorities and fund initiatives will set the tone.  Notably, the Obama transition site has these statements about the new Administration's priorities in this arena: 

• Eliminate Sentencing Disparities: Obama and Biden believe the disparity between sentencing crack and powder-based cocaine is wrong and should be completely eliminated.
• Expand Use of Drug Courts: Obama and Biden will give first-time, non-violent offenders a chance to serve their sentence, where appropriate, in the type of drug rehabilitation programs that have proven to work better than a prison term in changing bad behavior.

Despite these seemingly progressive sentiments, as noted in this post, drug policy reformers we not too excited about the nomination of Eric Holder for Attorney General.  In addition, as noted in this post, there are reasons to be concerned that the Obama Administration is unlikely to change swiftly or radically the nation's commitment to the "war on drugs."   And yet, with today's news that academics have been nominated to be the next Solicitor General and to head the Office of Legal Counsel, maybe we could see some notable developments in this arena.

Some related posts on drug reform and the new Administration:

• Interesting reflections on Obama appointees from drug policy reformers
• President-Elect Obama officially names Eric Holder as his AG pick
• Will any Prez candidate promise to get us out of a failed war ... on drugs?
• "Real commander needed for the war on drugs"
• "America's Forgotten War"
• Should we be worried or hopeful about the Obama Administration and the drug war?

Other posts so far in the 2009 "what's in store" series:

• What might 2009 have in store for . . . executive clemency?
• . . . the federal judiciary and its criminal caseload?
• . . . the death penalty in the US?
• . . . punishment theory and incarceration rates?
• . . . Second Amendment jurisprudence?
• . . . sex offender law and policy?