Court Opinion

ID: 9660857
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-23 22:22:32.385035+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:14:22.773631
License: Public Domain

McDonald, J.
(dissenting in part). I dissent in part with respect to issue vm. I do not agree that a sentence of mandatory life imprisonment without possibility of parole for a person convicted of delivery of cocaine in excess of 650 grams constitutes cruel or unusual punishment under the Michigan Constitution.
Moreover, contrary to the majority’s position, pursuant to Administrative Order No. 1990-6, 436 Mich lxxxiv, we are bound to follow People v Alexander, 188 Mich App 96, 106; 469 NW2d 10 (1991), which finds the penalty for delivery of over 650 grams of cocaine constitutional under Michigan law.
The panel in People v Fluker, 197 Mich App 225; 494 NW2d 830 (1992), failed to mention the Alexander decision. I would assume it was unaware of the existence of the decision because it failed to give reasons why it did not follow Alexander pursuant to Administrative Order No. 1990-6.
The majority herein acknowledges the existence of Alexander and the administrative order, but states it is not bound to follow them because Alexander uses the phrase "cruel and unusual” rather than "cruel or unusual.” Alexander adopted the analysis in People v Harding, 163 Mich App 298; 413 NW2d 777 (1987), which considered whether life imprisonment without parole was "cruel or unusual” punishment under the Michigan Constitution. Alexander’s use of "and” rather than "or” was obviously an oversight.
Further the majority states it is bound to follow the direction provided by the majority in People v Bullock, 440 Mich 15; 485 NW2d 866 (1992). To the contrary, we are bound to follow the administrative order because our Supreme Court in Bullock *609limited its decision to convictions for possession of 650 grams or more and has frequently and consistently denied leave in cases involving delivery or possession with intent to deliver 650 grams or more of cocaine.
I would affirm the sentence.