Corrections in Modern Society

Paper Summary:

This paper examines two opposing views of the "Three Strikes" legislation and contends that the proponents of this legislation demonstrate a more convincing argument. The paper looks at the issue of mandatory minimum sentences and their effects upon drug crimes. The paper also reviews the length of incarceration time and its effect upon recidivism. The paper concludes that it is the duty of the citizenry to be sufficiently informed in order to encourage the proper actions of their political leaders.

From the Paper:

"Few topics create political turmoil more than crime and punishment, and thus being such a hot button issue there are equally passionate and divergent points of view on the subject. Each point of view generally relies upon the same data set to draw their polar opposite opinions, and rarely do the facts get in the way of a strong politically motivated opinion. It is important to bear in mind the realities of a politically charged climate when reviewing these subjects, especially when each party is equally interested in the same goal, an overall reduction in crime and victimization of the innocent."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Rand Corporation, (1997). "Are Mandatory Minimum Drug Sentences Cost-Effective?" Drug Policy Research Center. Rand Research Website. retrieved August 22, 2007, from http://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB6003/index1.html
• Risley, David, (May, 2000). "Mandatory Minimum Sentences - An Overview." Drug Watch International Website. Retrieved August 22, 2007, from http://www.drugwatch.org/Mandatory%20Minimum%20Sentences.htm
• 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

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