After completing the readings for this module, review the sentencing mitigation report completed for Alexander Blair (Alexander Blair Defense Sentencing Memo.pdf).
In 2015, Mr. Blair (then 29 years old), loaned $100 to John T. Booker Jr., 22, of Topeka, Kan., who later attempted to detonate a vehicle bomb on the Fort Riley military base in Manhattan, Kansas. Mr. Blair pled guilty to a charge alleging he knew about the planned attack and provided aid to Booker, who used the money to rent a storage facility. Ultimately, a federal judge sentenced Alexander Blair to 15 months in prison, two years of supervised release, and $100 restitution. In issuing the sentence decision, U.S. District Court Judge Daniel Crabtree voiced his disagreement with federal sentencing guidelines that bound his decision, saying they “don’t make any sense” and are not, in the judge’s opinion, fair. “Mr. Blair did not have a single prior arrest or conviction,” Crabree said, and “he does not represent a future danger to the community.”
You can look up additional information on the Blair case, but do not need to do so to complete this discussion.
In your main post, respond to the following questions:
1) Given Mr. Blair’s disability and history, do you think he was criminally-responsible for his actions?
2) Which key arguments does the mitigation report make for reduced culpability?
3) What else stood out to you about the sentencing mitigation report for Mr. Blair?
