SCHOLAR: THREE STRIKES DOCUMENTARY THE LEGACY

The film was trying to portray the, “three strikes” initiative. This initiative has increased the incarceration rates in California. This law is to ensure public safety. I feel this method of deterrence is very effective as it serves the interest of the public at large. “Three strikes,” means that if a person commits three felonies they can be jailed for 25 years even if the felony was minor. I think that laws like this, although very harsh serve to deter potential criminals. These types of law promote societal safety. The drawback to this law is the higher rates of incarceration which evidently the tax payer will suffer. We need to be able to fund laws like this and it is important to understand the repercussions of such legislations. From the tax payers perspective he or she will pay for the police that are arresting the felon, the investigation, the imprisonment including the meals and shelter amongst other expenses. This cost the tax payer money and the government has to redirect funds to these prisons rather then sending it to other sectors of government which require it. This tough criminal justice law serves as a warning for those whom look to commit felonies against the public. They, being aware, are fully informed about their wrong doings. I think that the person who decides to do a crime under these conditions risk their livelihood. The publicizing of this law should let it be known to deter possible criminals. These criminals that do the crimes regardless of the knowledge of this law can really only blame themselves for their incarceration in the event they get caught and imprisoned. I feel that people should avoid crime but rather contribute to societal progress. I also think that crime is a result of an experience of lack. People that do crime lack something or are experiencing scarcity therefore, they commit the crime. I feel if we can address this scarcity along with this, “three strikes,” legislation, we can reduce the rates of crime. We in society should be aware of this legislation but we should also be aware that those who exceed the, “three strike,” knew full well what it was they were doing and the repercussions of their three crimes.