Three Strikes Law
The purpose of this study is to examine the efficacy of the three strikeslaw. The research study will document the impact of the three strikes lawon criminal behavior and activity, in an attempt to assess whether the lawand similar laws act as an effective deterrent to crime. The research willbe conducted of criminal activity in three major cities across the UnitedStates. The three strikes law was developed in California as a mechanismmeant to lengthen sentences and deter crime, especially crime committed byrepeat offenders. Recent studies have suggested however, that the threestrikes law is less effective than its initial intended.Among the problems cited by citizens include its tendency to unfairlydiscriminate against certain minority populations, and the tendency tosentence individuals who normally may be classified as non-violent, minorcriminals, as felony offenders. A majority of these "felony offenders" areserving sentences that are generally from 25 years to life, for what mightbe considered relatively minor crimes.The aim of this study is to investigate to what extent the three strikeslaw has actually worked in deterring crime. In addition to this, this
According to the law, the first two"strikes" that occur may accrue for serious felonies; however the thirdactivity that will result in a life sentence can be attributable to anyfelony (Greenwood, 1994). It is my intention to show analytically whether or not some of themost recent legislation has proven effective, with the hope that theresulting information will provide law enforcement agents, officials andcitizens the information they need to develop truly effective crimecombative policies and procedures. The "impetus" for enacting the law is said to have come from the killingsto two young girls, shown in a documentary called "The Legacy" by MichaelJ. Among thebenefits cited for the law include crime reduction. The three strikes law was implemented with the intention of deterringcrime; it mandates lengthier sentences for repeat offenders. ses to examine to what extent the three strikes law has resultedin successful incarceration of potentially violent criminals. ConclusionsThe research indicates that the three strikes law is not an effect crimedeterrent, nor does it serve as effective mechanisms for reducing thenumber of violent criminals that are still on the streets. A survey approach will be the predominate methodology utilizedfor purposes of this study. True experimental methodology can't be applied to the populationin question, which consists mostly of convicted criminals. To effectively examine the causal relationship between criminal activityand the three strikes law, both qualitative and quantitative analysis arein order. California implemented a three strikes law in March of 1994, one of themost sweeping efforts to put more power behind the punch of penaltiesassociated with repeat offenses. Follow through also fails, as lawenforcement agencies continue to pass laws that have little or no impact onviolent criminal activity, rather than having the effect of reformingcriminals or actually reducing the number of violent criminals on thestreet. The law "doubles sentences for a second strike,requires that these extended sentences be served in prison and limits "goodtime" earned during prison to 20 percent of the sentence" (Greenwood,1994). MethodologyThe analysis for this study will be divided into two sections:A review of literature pertaining to the three strikes law will beconducted. Research has also suggested that the three strikes legislation mightdecimate; the racial disparity is evident upon close examination ofconvictions which reveals that "blacks receive proportionately more threestrikes sentencing" than other populations (Mauer, 1996:23; Gozzi, 1999:1).
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Acceptance Essays
