Three Strikes law

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Recommended: The three strikes law pros and cons

Do “3 Strikes” Sentencing Laws Help To Reduce Serious Crime
The three strikes laws is a law that was first used in the 1990’s and is an extension of the rational choice theory, which allows for a person to be sentenced to life in prison after their third strike. Should a minor crime receive the same punishment as a major crime? California’s three strikes law leaves no room for error in criminal activity for repeat offenders. Once you have committed three serious crimes you are then sentenced twenty five years to life in prison. How does this affect our society and how does the government respond to this law. Does this law really keeping the public safe by locking up minor criminal offenders, or are we just spending billions on the prison system. What does it mean to be for or against it, should this apply to everyone in all criminal situations given minor vs. major crimes? Why have lawmakers chosen this as a determination of punishment? According to John R. Schafer, he argues that “strictly enforced three strikes laws are an effective crime control policy and may break the cycle of crime for youthful offender” (Schafer, 1999). However on the other hand Attorney Michael Vitiello states that “the three strikes laws have not delivered on their promises to reduce serious crime. Moreover, the costs of such laws appear to outweigh their benefits” (Vitiello, 2002).
First the deterrent effect of the three strikes laws is that it keeps repeat offenders in prison for a long time. After a person’s second conviction if they do not refrain from criminal activity the person will receive their third strike. This law ensures that repeat offenders stay in jail and protect law abiding citizens. The law also sends a stern me...

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...ate more and more money which we already don’t have and could use for other things. http://www.balancedpolitics.org/three_strikes.htm
Finally the three strikes law is in fact a law and regardless of the crime, if a person chooses and continues to commit crimes they will be incarcerated and for some it will be a life sentence. Even with all the controversy behind this law I still agree with Schafer. Breaking the cycle of crime in our youth would be the best choice of action. Keeping our young offenders out of prison would reduce our overwhelming price tag that the state of California and taxpayers pay each year. In the end the most violent and dangerous criminals will continue to commit crimes irrespective of the law. I believe this law continues to protect the normal day to day citizen and still prevents the minor criminal from committing some crimes.

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