I read that the Judges should have some leeway in setting the sentence. That is what got us here in the first place. Judges were letting criminals go time after time after time. I too would prefer that Judges had some leeway, but I would also prefer having Judges that would take their jobs serious, and not act as another defense attorney.
Very few law abiding citizens well find themselves facing the three strike law. First you have to commit a felony, and then be caught and then be tried and then be found guilty. Now, can anyone tell me with a straight face that someone found guilty of a felony was for the very first and only crime they committed? No, most likely they have committed many felonies but have only been caught for the one.
After serving your time, you have to return to your life of crime, and start the process over, committing felonies, getting caught, getting tried, and being found guilty.
Now, after getting out the third time, you have a choice, do not commit anymore crimes (or move out of California) or risk the third strike.
If you go out to commit more crimes you are pretty much telling the world you can not help yourself and that you will continue on your merry criminal way, unless stopped. Well the three strike law is going to stop you, at least for awhile.
This is a quality of life issue as much as anything. The person who had their golf clubs stolen (in this case) should not have suffered this loss, regardless of the cost of the clubs.
Every crime committed affects innocent civilians, and sometimes in large ways sometimes in small ways. Stealing is wrong. Society should have the right to discourage people from committing crimes. And if someone has shown through their actions that they can not help themselves, then they should be locked up for a very long time.
I live in California, and I have no problem paying for the prisons.
If you think the three strike laws are too harse, invite the criminals into your state and treat them with kindness, as long as they are off the streets, I am happy.
good post.
Somehow I've managed to go my entire life without committing even one felony LOL!
I'll bump that!