Proposition 184

Essay # 61022

Law > Criminal
Political Science
Political Science > Election and Campaigns
Political Science > State and Local Politics

Proposition 184

An overview of this law, also known as "The Three Strikes Law."

1,286 words () | 3 sources | MLA | 2005 United States

Paper Summary:

California's Proposition 184, also known as the "three strikes and you're out law," became law on November 9, 1994, when approved by the California Senate. The law applies mandatory 25 years-to-life prison sentences to anybody charged with a third criminal offense. This paper examines the views of those in favor of the law, as well as those who oppose it. The paper examines views from opposing sources such as "Three strikes and you're out! A Promise to Kimber" by Mike Reynolds, et. al and "Cruel Justice" by Joe Domanick.

From the Paper:

"The public's vision of the three strikes law focused on putting rapists, molesters and murderers in prison and out of harm's way. It was after the legislation became law that stories of shoplifters serving twenty-five year sentences appeared in the media. How did this legal quandary come about? It happened because well-intentioned legislators and voters wanted to protect girls like Kimber and Polly. The families of subsequent lawbreakers, who suffered because family members were imprisoned for a minimum of twenty-five years for nonviolent crimes, felt they were being treated harshly. California voted in favor of a law that was considered by Newsweek as being "the toughest in the nation" (Domanick p. 3.)"