The “three strikes and you’re out” law passed in the aftermath of the awful 1993 kidnapping and murder of 12-year-old Polly Klaas was advertised as a way to keep violent predators in prison.
But the initiative passed by California voters was laden with unintended consequences – and cannot be changed in any significant way without another statewide vote. More than half of the third “strikes” that have triggered a 25-to-life sentence involve neither serious nor violent felonies. Even shoplifting can be escalated to a third-strike felony – bringing life imprisonment – for those with prior convictions of petty theft. Worst criminal law in the country,” said Michael Romano, a Stanford law professor.
What is not publicized is that the 3d strike follows 2 other felonies. So whine if you want about the 3d strike but don’t forget that there are at least two other felonies. 3 career felonies should be enough.
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