While the initial intentions were good, the law now removes from the judges any ability to make their own decisions, case by case. It is especially difficult in the case of juveniles, because “Proposition 21, which was approved by 62% of the voters in March, gave prosecutors rather than judges the right to decide whether juveniles should be tried as adults...” (DoIan 3).

Now five years old, “the three-strikes law has been responsible for taking many incorrigible criminals off the streets forever. But, laws drafted in the head of public passion often have unintended effects..." (LA TIMES 1). The fact is that the so -called "hardened criminals" may actually be either petty thieves (one three-strikes law sentenced incarcerated someone who stol

Laws are usually made by an elite class, totally unaware of the under classes their judgments most affect. It is not the responsibility of lawmakers to consider the social or economic status of those who will be affected by their laws. Nowhere is this more evident than in California where the 0.J. Simpsons walk while the poor from South Central linger in prisons.

Another example is that of Jesus A. Martinez, a petty thief with a long criminal history was arrested at a San Diego County Home Base store with a wrench, some pliers and a pair of grips tucked in his waistband. “The value of the items allegedly stole $42.52. But, if prosecutors have their way, it will cost the 44-year old man much more, possibly the rest of his life. Martinez is among the first 94 defendants charged in San Diego County under ‘three strikes’ legislation a law aimed to punish repeat offenders with lengthier prison terms.” (Lunch 1)

Unfortunately, as the courts change the wording and meaning and sentencing guidelines of the three strikes law, there is more chaos in carrying out the original design. What is significant is that California voters voted this law in. What is important to realize here is that the turnout of voters is always only about 50% of those eligible to vote. The people least likely to vote are exactly those minorities who would be most affected by laws like the “Three Strikes law”.

Sometimes those whose consciences arc affected by having to provide mandatory sentences wish they could do something. "A troubled juror, after convicting an ex-felon of stealing a gardener's tool tells the defense attorney, 'I'd be glad to talk to the judge and ask for a lighter sentence."' (Krikorian 2)

Some topics in this essay:
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