In the early 1990’s public awareness to the problems associated with career criminals was at an all time high. In 1992 a felon who was released on parole attempted to steal 18 years old Kimber Reynolds’ purse, resulting in her murder. This parolee had an extensive criminal history including grand theft auto, gun, and drug charges. Mike Reynolds, Kimber Reynolds father, proposed a law resembling that of the “Three Strikes Law” in 1993 where the proposal was unsuccessful. Just months later in 1993, twelve year old Polly Klass was kidnapped from her home and murdered, her aggressor also a career criminal with a history of sexual assault, kidnapping, and burglary. After Klass murder the issue was brought to the immediate attention of the public
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In 1995, Johnson beat his wife until she was unconscious which led to his sentence of 25 to life. Johnson and the others who were instrumental to the statute are perfect examples of someone who commits crime after crime and due to the “Three Strikes Law” is finally no longer a threat to society. On the contrary opponents of this statute argue that it is too broad and mandates harsh punishments on minor offenses, which is why many suggest a reform. (CAREER CRIMINALS TARGETED).
Since the enactment of the “Three Strikes Law” in California March 1994, there has been much controversy over the constitutionality and effectiveness regarding its implications. Also questionable is the vast interpretation of this law and how it applies to sentencing. The enactment of this law was intended to set a mandatory sentence for offenders who have a history of serious or violent crime convictions. Such …show more content…
Most offenders that are convicted under the “Three Strikes Law” are drug users and petty thieves. (THOMAS JEFFERSON LAW REVIEW). Under this provision in California, offenders who are convicted of a third serious or violent offense are sentenced to an indeterminate sentence, with a minimum of three possibilities. The offender may be sentenced to three times the current alleged offense, may receive a 25-year sentence, or the third, which gives discretion to the courts to take into consideration mitigating and aggregating circumstances. Many states along with the federal government have laws reflecting that of the “Three Strikes Law” in California, the difference being those laws require the third strike to also be a felony. Also required by Proposition 184 an initiative under the “Three Strikes Law” is that offenders convicted of a second felony receive twice the sentence to that of a first time offender. (CAREER CRIMINALS TARGETED). This requirement placed on sentencing mandates that offenders meeting the criteria receive a 25 year to life sentence and serving a minimum of 25 years before being eligible for parole. Offenders who have prior felony convictions are sentenced based on “Three Strikes Law” no
In 1995, Johnson beat his wife until she was unconscious which led to his sentence of 25 to life. Johnson and the others who were instrumental to the statute are perfect examples of someone who commits crime after crime and due to the “Three Strikes Law” is finally no longer a threat to society. On the contrary opponents of this statute argue that it is too broad and mandates harsh punishments on minor offenses, which is why many suggest a reform. (CAREER CRIMINALS TARGETED).
Since the enactment of the “Three Strikes Law” in California March 1994, there has been much controversy over the constitutionality and effectiveness regarding its implications. Also questionable is the vast interpretation of this law and how it applies to sentencing. The enactment of this law was intended to set a mandatory sentence for offenders who have a history of serious or violent crime convictions. Such …show more content…
Most offenders that are convicted under the “Three Strikes Law” are drug users and petty thieves. (THOMAS JEFFERSON LAW REVIEW). Under this provision in California, offenders who are convicted of a third serious or violent offense are sentenced to an indeterminate sentence, with a minimum of three possibilities. The offender may be sentenced to three times the current alleged offense, may receive a 25-year sentence, or the third, which gives discretion to the courts to take into consideration mitigating and aggregating circumstances. Many states along with the federal government have laws reflecting that of the “Three Strikes Law” in California, the difference being those laws require the third strike to also be a felony. Also required by Proposition 184 an initiative under the “Three Strikes Law” is that offenders convicted of a second felony receive twice the sentence to that of a first time offender. (CAREER CRIMINALS TARGETED). This requirement placed on sentencing mandates that offenders meeting the criteria receive a 25 year to life sentence and serving a minimum of 25 years before being eligible for parole. Offenders who have prior felony convictions are sentenced based on “Three Strikes Law” no