Reasons to Amend 3-Strikes

Below are the reasons that the 3-Strikes law should be amended. When possible, we have tried to document the sources of the statistics, quotes and theories as best we can. If you have more recent data or new statistics, quotes and theories that you think we should add to the web site, please e-mail us at factsla@sbcglobal.net or send them by snail-mail to Families to Amend California's 3-Strikes, 3982 S. Figueroa St. #207A, Los Angeles, CA90037.

The reasons listed below are not necessarily shared by all members of FACTS. This is simply a gathering place for the many different views and reasons for changing the 3-Strikes law.

	Economic Reasons
	Better Alternatives
	Inhumane/Unjust
	Applied Disproportionately to Minorities, Poor and Particular Counties
	Caused by Counterfactual Fear and Vengeance
	3-Strikes Focuses on the Poor, But Ignores Crimes of the Rich
	Caused by Politicians who Follow the Mob (or Even Incite It)
	Violates Double Jeopardy
	Retroactive Application Makes It an Ex-Post Facto Law
	Will Result in an Increase in Crime
	Will Result in an Increase in Innocent People Being Forced to Plead Guilty
	The 3-Strikes law is one of the government's ultimate intrusions into people's freedoms.
	The 3-Strikes Law Incorrectly Legitimizes the Use of Violence
	Even Before the 3-Strikes Law, The U.S. and California Were Among the Greatest Incarcerators in the World
	Caused by Increased Social Construction of Criminals as Evil Monsters
	3-Strikes Fallacies

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Please send questions or comments to factsla@sbcglobal.net.

Everything on this web site can be distributed to the general public, reprinted, or reposted without permission of Families to Amend California's 3-Strikes.

Date last modified: 12/21/98.