“The drug laws led to a blind and mechanical system of justice. A one size fits all system of justice,” said Robert Gangi the Correctional Association of New York Executive Director.

They are harsh laws that created mandatory minimums for people possessing drugs. They were intended to give prosecutors the upper hand against drug lords and kingpins. They ended up filling state prisons mostly with low level offenders. The state's prison population tripled and it costs taxpayers close to $500 million a year.

“You can make a law with good intentions but the consequences become something else,” said Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubrey.

Three decades of consequences and little change. Small reforms have shortened some of the mandatory sentences but bills to completely repeal the laws have failed to get political support despite intense lobbying efforts.

Drug law reform being pushed

Drop the Rock. That was the message of hundreds of New Yorkers who came to the capital calling for the repeal of the Rockefeller drug laws. It's an annual journey that's made little headway in the past. But this year this group may be in luck. Our Mark Repasky explains.

But now things are starting to look different. With Spitzer's resignation lobbyists are pitching to a fresh face. While he made strong statements about repealing the Rockefeller laws during his campaign nothing changed during his 15 months in office. With a new governor who has a history of calling for reform, some see this as their chance make some headway.

“We think we've gained ground,” said Gangi.

“It is my hope that the transition from lt. governor to governor that his support will stay the same,” said Aubrey.

His support may be there but as for action its wait and see. As one supporter said when you sit in a different place under the tree the different type of sun and shade you see.