Overcrowding of the prisons can cause various problems. Logically, the more people the state has in its prisons, the more fights that will break out. People need their space. In close living quarters, people are more irritable and defensive. This type of behavior will lead toward fights, which could lead to violent assaults and even murder. Another troubling aspect of overcrowding is that it can lead to the problem of sanitation. It is obvious, the more people within a prison, the more waste they will produce. Sanitation in prisons is bad enough. But cramming three or four inmates in a cell designed for two will make it even worse. This waste can lead to questionable health among inmates.
The "three strikes" law's purpose was to keep violent offenders off the streets, but it has locked up petty offenders for long term sentences. Twenty five years to life is not a justifiable punishment for stealing a slice of pizza, which has happened to one man. This crime was hardly violent but the "three strikes" law makes no difference between violent and non-violent felonies. A third strike is a third strike under the law. This is highly unjust. The U.S. court systems enact punishments based on the circumstances involving the case. For example, to be convicted for first-degree murder, one must have shown premeditation of the murder. But the lesser conviction of second degree murder, premeditation need not be present. The "three strikes" law has digressed from its purpose. Another flaw with the "three strikes" law is that it takes away the power from judges. Judges have the power to sentence convicted criminals, but the "three strikes" law takes away that power by forcing judges to mandatory sentences. .
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.