Three Strikes Law 1

Running head: THREE STRIKES LAW

The Three Strikes Law
September 24, 2013
CJ526: Unit 2

Three Strikes Law 2

Three Strikes Law

The Three Strikes Law has been a subject of much debate since its introduction as a regulation in 1993. The Three Strikes law was enacted in 1994 and is widely recognized as the harshest sentencing law in the United States. “The State of Texas was the first State to enact such a law in 1974.” (Laws.com) California passed its own law enacting a Three Strikes Law that mandates a sentence of 25 years to life for a third felony conviction. The reality of the Three Strikes Law will lead to a significant increase in the nation's
The Three Strikes Laws are not only unfair to defendants who have been convicted of minor offenses but it is also unfair to the taxpayers as well. These taxes will just be spent for the rehabilitation of congested prisons instead of spending the same for social services that definitely can benefit the public.

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Conclusion

The enforcement of the three strikes laws will continue based on the hope that it will eventually deter recidivist from committing crimes. Many have argued that this law is effective in reducing the number of serious felonies committed by recidivists and will continue to work as a prevention method in future. However, these laws shall undergo an amendment to the penalties imposed and the years of imprisonment shall depend on the gravity of the offense. Amendment of these laws shall be done for the purpose of achieving the true intent of this law and that is to stop and prevent violent crimes and cut unnecessary spending in order to keep criminals incarcerated for life for third strikes on nonviolent crimes. The Three Strikes law will never be a deterrence for repeat criminals.

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References

American Civil Liberties