The three strikes law or habitual offender laws in the United States were first implemented on 7th March 1994 as part of the United States Justice Department's Anti-Violence Strategy.
These laws mean that should one commit a severe violent felony with two other previous convictions on their record, they are obliged to serve a life sentence in prison. The purpose of the laws is to drastically increase the punishment of those convicted of more than two serious crimes to discourage repeat offenders and prevent any future crimes these repeat offenders could commit.
However, today, more than half of inmates sentenced under the law are serving sentences for non-violent crimes. Clients of The Three Strikes Project have been given life sentences for offences such as stealing one dollar in loose change from a parked car or attempting to break into a soup kitchen.
In addition, statistics from the California Department of Corrections show that the law disproportionately affects minority populations such as ethnic minorities, mentally ill people and the physically disabled. It was also found that over 45% of inmates serving life sentences under the Three Strikes law are African American.
Furthermore, California’s State Auditor estimates that the Three Strikes law adds over $19 billion to the state’s prison budget. Repeat offenders being faced with a life sentence demand costly and time-consuming trials, rather than submitting to plea bargains, and end up costing as much as $50,000. Since most of the defendants will be impoverished and require public defenders, the expense will be paid for by taxpayers.
Should the law be reformed?
Written by Coco Clelland
Artwork by Mrishana
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