What does the 'three strikes' law entail?

The 'three strikes' law is a legislative framework that mandates a life sentence for individuals who have been convicted of three serious crimes, often referred to as violent felonies. This law aims to impose harsher penalties on repeat offenders, thus serving as a deterrent to crime by emphasizing the consequences of committing multiple serious offenses. The rationale behind this approach is that individuals who repeatedly engage in criminal behavior pose a greater threat to society and should face significant penalties to protect the public.

This kind of legislation has been implemented in various forms across different jurisdictions, with the intent of reducing recidivism by ensuring that habitual offenders are removed from the community after their third major crime. It reflects a more punitive approach to criminal justice, focusing on the consequences of repeat offenses rather than offering rehabilitation or alternatives for first-time or less serious offenders.