My repetitive mantra on the Cameron Douglas case has been "Treatment instead of Incarceration." Douglas plead guilty to charges of dealing methamphetamine and faces a sentence of 10 years in prison when he is sentenced. Since I have been through what Cameron is set to experience (hard time) I know that a lengthy sentence is not appropriate. In fact his lawyers have filed a 119 page sentencing memorandum that contains letters from family and friends asking for leniency.
Sentencing was scheduled on April 14 but postponed until April 20, which by the way is National Marijuana Day. Cameron's team of attorneys now have asked Federal District Court Judge Richard Berman to prohibit the media from being present while Cameron Douglas is being sentenced.
Traditionally in a court of law the sentencing process is open to the general public, including media folks. A letter written to Judge Berman from Cameron's lawyer reads, "We expect that the sentencing before Your Honor will again be widely covered by the press. All the press coverage thus far has been purely sensational. His crime is not sensational or even noteworthy."
This could or could not be a valid argument depending on how you look at this issue. Critics were quick to say that such a request was based on privilege, power and money. And what does this have to do with Cameron's sentencing?
Judge Berman has given Douglas' legal team until Friday April 16 to argue their case.
Should the media be banned from Cameron's sentencing hearing? What do you think?
Join the Facebook cause "Cameron Douglas Needs Treatment not Prison"