| Chapter 9 Three Strikes What events triggered the "three strikes" fad? What kinds of similarly punitive fads have been popular in the past? What are the three theoretical justifications for these punitive policies? Why are the deterrence and incapacitation claims about three strikes doubtful? What does "vengeance as public policy" mean (and vengeance against whom - criminals or poor)? "Diversity among the states" (p. 186-191) - skim this part. Why was the three strikes movement "largely symbolic" and "not designed to have a significant impact on the CJS" in most states - and why is California the only exception to this (p. 195)? Skim these sections - history of the California law, impact on the courts, variation by counties, impact on prison population. Who are the strikers (California vs. other states) - serious or petty offenders? How much has this cost in California (vs. pre-three strikes sentencing laws)? What has been the impact on crime rates in California (Figure 9-1)? What does the comparison of different states illustrate (Figure 9-2)? How do the authors summarize this section? |