Assignment:
The murder of 12-year old Polly Klaas by a paroled felon in 1993 led Californian votes to approve an initiative, three-strikes laws that mandated prison terms of 25-years-to-life for defendants convicted of a third felony. The law also doubled minimum terms for second time offenders.
The state of Washington adopted a three strikes law in 1993, and 22 other states have followed suit. Congress passed a federal version of this act in 1994.
1. Is the U.S. criminal justice system too lenient? Why?
2. Is legislation such as the three strikes laws required? Why?
3. What are possible negative implications of the laws such as the three strikes laws? Why?
Three recent examples where the U.S. criminal justice system was too tough or lenient. Explain why you think the criminal justice system was too tough or lenient in these cases.