Three Strikes
As crime and violence increased in California, citizens began to feel powerless. Terrorized in their own neighborhoods by criminals, who go in out of the legal system, Californians began to believe there was no justice for them. Ironically, many people feared so much the gangs, drug dealers, pushers and hustlers of the streets, they became prisoners in their homes. An enormous outcry came about, requesting the government to fix the increasing crime rate. The answer to this dilemma came in the form of the “three strikes” law. The “three strikes” law requires anyone convicted of a third felony to receive a sentence of 25 years to life. This law was passed on March 7, 1994. Within a few years of implementation, problems with the “three strikes” law began to arise. Along with a lower crime rate came the price of overcrowded prisons. Minor crimes, such as petty theft and burglary received twenty five year long sentences. Now, Californians wonder if the “three strikes” law gave them more than they had asked for. This paper will argue against the “three strikes” law and that it should be repealed. Arguments opposing the law will be given first. Next the arguments in support of the law will be discussed.
With its many flaws, supporters of the three strikes law still insist it was the proper action to take. They state the law keeps repeat offenders locked up in prison for good. Supporters are tired of seeing individuals in and out of the justice system with only minor sentences. The “three strikes” law would eliminate this problem and by doing so, it reduces the waste of money in legal fees that these repeat offenders ascertain. Supporters also argue that the law is a deterrent to crime and violent crimes, such as murder. The philosophy is as follows: If a man attained to strikes against him and knows committing a third felony will result in 25 year to life sentence, chances are he will not commit any more crimes. The crime rate has decreased in California. Finally, supporters state that the law gives people a sense of relief from crime. Especially for the many people in areas plagued with crime. Year after year, they would see the same people getting arrested, but only to come back to do the same criminal activities. This was very heartbreaking. Good California citizens saw justice not being served. They felt powerless. But when the “three strikes” law came into affect, a change finally came. The law is putting criminals where they should be, behind bars. People are feeling safer to go outside their homes. Though supporters state that the law keeps repeat offenders locked up for good, it is, on the contrary, doing the opposite. As mentioned earlier, t he law is overflowing the prison population. There are also no new prisons being built. Therefore, without enough room for the prisoners, the only thing to do is to release them. Supporters state that the “three strikes” law deters crime and murder. New York City murder rates have decreased by 25 percent and it is a state that has no “three strikes” law. While, the state of Tennessee, a state that does have “three strikes”, Nashville’
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Approximate Word count = 1306
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)
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