Pubdate: Mon, 17 Mar 2003
Source: Columbia Chronicle (IL Edu)
Copyright: 2003, Columbia Chronicle
Contact:  http://www.ccchronicle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2727

THREE-STRIKES LAW STRIKES OUT

American society has gone three-strikes crazy.

The U.S. Supreme Court's 5-4 decision to uphold California's three-strike 
policy on March 6 has set off debate across the country.

It's unbelievable that a reported drug addict convicted of stealing some 
videotapes in California was considered such a danger to society that he 
was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison.

Another Californian convicted of stealing golf clubs was also sentenced to 
an exorbitant punishment, 25 years to life.

Where's the justice?

The decision reflects an increasingly punitive approach to dealing with 
crime in American society. Draconian laws are implemented more and more. 
Now 12-year-olds are being tried as adults and sent to prison for life. 
It's just not right.

Instead of ensuring the crime fits the punishment, the legal system is 
taking a one-size-fits-all approach that is legally questionable. Unusual 
punishments are becoming the norm, and they are certainly cruel.

Proponents of the three-strikes ruling cite California Department of 
Corrections statistics that say recidivism rates dropped by 25 percent in 
California over the first four years after the legislation was enacted in 
1994. Their argument is compelling on the surface, no doubt.

But what we need to do at this point is step back and look at why people 
are in jail. If detainees are merely property damagers, thieves or drug 
addicts, are they worth the billions of dollars we pour into the criminal 
justice system? And is it worth taking someone's mother, father, sister or 
brother away for good? It only perpetuates a fragmented society and more 
desperation--and more crime.

If the criminal justice system isn't working to curb crime, then lawmakers, 
criminal justice authorities and administrators need to put their time and 
talent into fixing it. That is what we pay them for.

It is unjust to punish people randomly, especially those at the bottom of 
the social and economic ladder who often have less-than-perfect legal 
representation.

Public officials need to wrap their arms around the substantive issues 
rather than remain consumed with the bottom line. Truly addressing what 
makes people criminals--poverty, underemployment, drugs--will prove to the 
public that officials are working hard and may even give them a few more 
accomplishments to add to their campaign literature.

These individuals need to stop unraveling the fabric of our society by 
deconstructing the spirit of America. What ever happened to the "land of 
opportunity," where people can turn their lives around and anyone can succeed?
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MAP posted-by: Beth