Criminal Science

Policy on the Three Strike Rule

Mae Hopkins

CJUS625-1301B-02

Dr. George Ackerman

March 18, 2013

As I was gathering my information on this particular assignment I came to some very interesting insights and laws that govern the three strike rules in which my opinion I do not agree with the reason and their conclusion on this particular subject. “The full impact of the three-strikes law in North Carolina, as well as in other states, has still not been felt – as experts have pointed out that the elderly population in the prison system is expected to boom in the coming years, a fact that will seriously weigh on the state's budget. Consequently, some are theorizing that, to relieve this financial pressure.” (NCthreestrike) Let’s look at what they are saying about the three strike rules which is “Three Strikes Sentencing. Proposition 184 (commonly referred to as the “three strikes” law) was adopted by voters in 1994. It imposed longer prison sentences for certain repeat offenders. Specifically, the law requires that a person who is convicted of a felony and who previously has been convicted of one or more violent or serious felonies be sentenced to state prison as follows: Second Strike Offense. If the person has one previous serious or violent felony conviction, the sentence for any new felony conviction (not just a serious or violent felony) is twice the term otherwise required under law for the new conviction. Offenders sentenced by the courts under this provision are referred to as “second strikers.” As of March 2012, about 33,000 inmates were second strikers.” Third Strike Offense. If the person has two or more previous serious or violent felony convictions, the sentence for any new felony conviction (not just a serious or violent felony) is a life term with the earliest possible parole after 25 years. Offenders convicted under this provision are referred to as “third strikers.” As of March 2012, about 9,000 inmates were third strikers.” (vig.cdn.sos) “While...