Sign this Petition to Repeal the Three Strikes Legislation
Under the Three Strikes Legislation, the state provides stricter sentencing inclusive of life imprisonment for “three-time repeat offenders with multiple prior serious or violent felony convictions” (Kelly, 2019). Though it was meant to protect the general public, it has done little to reduce the alarming rate of violent crimes and contributed to unfair sentencing and prison overpopulation. Under the Three Strikes Legislation, the state provides stricter sentencing inclusive of life imprisonment for “three-time repeat offenders with multiple prior serious or violent felony convictions” (Kelly, 2019). Though it was meant to protect the general public, as well as prevent repeat criminal behavior, it has done little to reduce the alarming rate of violent crimes and contributed to unfair sentencing and prison overpopulation.
The collective cost of going to trial as well as housing multiple criminals for life is exorbitantly high. According to the Vera Institute of Justice, incarceration in the United States costs between $31,000 and $60,000 per inmate annually (Mills, 2017). Aside from the burden of these high costs on taxpayers, there is also the matter of humanity. The law is oftentimes automatic in that its rigidity does not allow for judge’s discretion in the matter. While this can be beneficial to some offenders, it is extremely harmful for others as it can result in unfair sentences. To reduce the overpopulation of prisons, ensure that people receive fair sentences, and limit the costs of public defence for taxpayers, it is imperative that this legislation be reviewed and revised.
Sign this petition to demand that Congress repeal the Three Strikes Legislation.
Click "Learn More" for more information about the Three Strikes Legislation.
CITATIONS
Mills, E. (2019, April 29). How much does it cost to send someone to prison? Retrieved April 13, 2021, from https://www.marketplace.org/2017/05/19/how-much-does-it-cost-send-someone-prison/
Kelly, A. (2019, December 20). Three strikes law and habitual offenders. Retrieved April 13, 2021, from https://www.criminaldefenselawyer.com/resources/three-strikes-law.htm
Lacourse, D., JR. (1997, January 1). Three strikes, You're out: A review. Retrieved April 13, 2021, from https://www.washingtonpolicy.org/publications/detail/three-strikes-youre-out-a-review
