November 2012 Election, California, Proposition 36

Vote Recommendation: No

The revisions proposed here seem unnecessary. Judges currently have the prerogative needed to handle sentencing in individual cases with the leniency they may require. This law will only weaken that prerogative to the detriment of the general public.

See: November 2012 Election, California

Details

Three Strikes Law. Sentencing for Repeat Felony Offenders.

Initiative Statute

Summary

Revises law to impose life sentence only when new felony conviction is serious or violent. May authorize re-sentencing if third strike conviction was not serious or violent. Fiscal Impact: Ongoing state correctional savings of around $70 million annually, with even greater savings (up to $90 million) over the next couple of decades. These savings could vary significantly depending on future state actions.

External Resources

• Voter Information Guide - Secretary of State
• Official Title and Summary - Secretary of State
• Analysis - Secretary of State
• Arguments and Rebuttals - Secretary of State
• Text of Proposed Law - Secretary of State
• California Proposition 36 - Ballotpedia