Calif. Bill to Ease Sentencing Law Gains Momentum October 15, 2004
News Summary
Emotions are heating up over an initiative on the November ballot in California designed to ease the state's "three strikes, you're out" sentencing law, the San Jose Mercury News reported Oct. 11.The initiative would change California law by requiring that the "third strike" be either a violent or serious felony. Currently, non-violent offenses, such as simple drug possession and petty theft, qualify for "third strikes."
The debate surrounding Proposition 66 has intensified in the final weeks before the election. Supporters of the measure said it would help thousands of prison inmates who were sentenced for life on minor charges. According to state records, more than half of California's "three-strikers" are in prison for non-violent crimes.
"We're not going to open the floodgates," said former Santa Clara County Judge LaDoris Cordell, who has been actively campaigning for the initiative. "It's finally making the law fair."
On the other side of the argument, opponents, including law enforcement officials, argue that the initiative would put career criminals back on the streets.
"I don't feel the public will support Prop. 66 if they know it would release child molesters, rapists, and murderers," said Brian Gurwitz, an Orange County prosecutor working on the anti-66 campaign.
Currently, the initiative, which is well financed, appears to have strong public support. But Calif. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to help the opposition, which is working on a shoestring budget, by campaigning against the initiative.
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