Cal's 3 strikes law (crime rates, felony, bankrupt)

[BennyPhoenix]

After much deliberation, I've concluded that the 3 strikes law needs to be amended and have a 1 strike provision added.
1 strike and you're in prison for life(no chance for parole) for murder, rape, child molestation, armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon. Generally for any violent crime. Why child molesters are ever paroled can only make sense to a california politician.
Let the 3 strikes law stand as is for other crimes.

[nmnita]

Originally Posted by BennyPhoenix

After much deliberation, I've concluded that the 3 strikes law needs to be amended and have a 1 strike provision added.
1 strike and you're in prison for life(no chance for parole) for murder, rape, child molestation, armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon. Generally for any violent crime. Why child molesters are ever paroled can only make sense to a california politician.
Let the 3 strikes law stand as is for other crimes.

I don't think I would go quite as far as you with this, but I know what you mean...

Nita

ps of course you know you just opened up the can of worms again.

[BennyPhoenix]

I'd like to see a good argument against locking up murderers, rapists and child molesters forever.
I have a simple value system: I dont harm other people and I expect other people to not harm me. Why is that so complicated for some people to understand?

[phloxy]

Originally Posted by BennyPhoenix

I'd like to see a good argument against locking up murderers, rapists and child molesters forever.

I became friends with a guy who did 20+ years for 2nd-degree murder. He was rehabilitated and was working as a counselor and mentor when I met him, and he and I were in school together working on state credentials. Having him in prison for life would have been a total waste of taxpayer money.

[BennyPhoenix]

Originally Posted by phloxy

I became friends with a guy who did 20+ years for 2nd-degree murder. He was rehabilitated and was working as a counselor and mentor when I met him, and he and I were in school together working on state credentials. Having him in prison for life would have been a total waste of taxpayer money.

And for every murderer like him there are 1000 others who would commit crimes when released.
And he is free to have a good life while his victim is still dead. The victims parents are probably still crying and suffering everyday while that fool is free.

[majoun]

Originally Posted by BennyPhoenix

And for every murderer like him there are 1000 others who would commit crimes when released.
And he is free to have a good life while his victim is still dead. The victims parents are probably still crying and suffering everyday while that fool is free.

It really depends on the nature of the crime in question. The problem with three strikes (besides it bankrupting the state) is that it denies judges flexiblility in sentencing. Every case is different. IMO three strikes should be limited only to gang related crimes, sex crimes against prepubescent kids, and violent rapists.

[ferretkona]

I think our judicial system is working fine as is.
Three strikes are three misdemeanors equals a felony

[Roaddog]

Originally Posted by BennyPhoenix

After much deliberation, I've concluded that the 3 strikes law needs to be amended and have a 1 strike provision added.
1 strike and you're in prison for life(no chance for parole) for murder, rape, child molestation, armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon. Generally for any violent crime. Why child molesters are ever paroled can only make sense to a california politician.
Let the 3 strikes law stand as is for other crimes.

I'll join you and agree, I have a nephew who has was surpasted the 3 strikes and has spend very little time in jail, he will kill someone sooner or later and he should have been in prison a long time ago.

[majoun]

Originally Posted by ferretkona

I think our judicial system is working fine as is.

The violent crime rates in California and the state's budget problems suggest otherwise.

[BennyPhoenix]

Originally Posted by majoun

It really depends on the nature of the crime in question. The problem with three strikes (besides it bankrupting the state) is that it denies judges flexiblility in sentencing. Every case is different. IMO three strikes should be limited only to gang related crimes, sex crimes against prepubescent kids, and violent rapists.

All rape is violent, the degree of violence is another matter.
For someone to be convicted twice and then commit enough crimes to be caught and convicted a third time, IMO, means that that person lost any chance at remaining a threat to society. You have to commit dozens of crimes to be caught and convicted 3 times.