Three Strikes and Recidivism

Paper Summary:

The paper reviews studies on the effect of mandatory sentencing upon recidivism as well as the deterrence effect of Three Strikes legislation. The paper highlights the political overtones of these studies and then discusses the design of a study to determine the effects of the Three Strikes legislation upon recidivism.

From the Paper:

"The most blatant symptom that the corrections system is not functioning properly is the rate of recidivism, those that were thought to have been rehabilitated or paid their debt to society become re-involved with the criminal justice system. Prisons are far too crowded and society will not tolerate a revolving door policy, either felons once convicted need to be permanently separated from society or upon their release need to feel highly motivated to choose another path and not become a repeat customer. One area of particular interest and controversy are the "Three Strikes" laws of many states; understanding that there are a myriad of theories concerning the reduction of recidivism, a study of the effects of enhanced sentencing for repeat offenders was selected."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Schiraldi, Vincent, Colburn, Jason, and Lotke, Eric. "Three Strikes and You're Out - 3 Strikes Laws - 10 Years After Their Enactment." U.S. Justice Fund Website. retrieved August 22, 2007, from http://www.soros.org/initiatives/justice/articles_publications/publications/threestrikes_20040923/three_strikes.pdf
• Semmann, Steven J. (April 7, 2006). "New Study on Recidivism, Robbers, and Sentencing in Wisconsin." Wisconsin Sentencing Commission Website. Retrieved August 22, 2007, from http://wsc.wi.gov/docview.asp?docid=6680
• Shepherd, Joanna M. (2002). "Fear of the First Strike: The Full Deterrent Effect of California's Two- and Three-Strikes Legislation." Journal of Legal Studies, Volume XXXI, (January 2002). retrieved August 22, 2007 from http://www.threestrikes.org/jmshepherd.htm
• Song, Lin, Lieb, Roxanne, (September, 1993). "Recidivism: The Effects of Incarceration and Length of Time Served." Washington State Institute for Public Policy Website. Retrieved August 22, 2007, from http://www.wsipp.wa.gov/rptfiles/IncarcRecid.pdf

More papers on Three Strikes and Recidivism:

• Argumentative Essay # 102029 : "The Three Strikes Mandatory Sentencing Law"
• Persuasive Essay # 94194 : "The Three Strikes Law"
• Analytical Essay # 27751 : "California's "Three-Strikes Law"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: