Carl M. Cannon: Petty Crime, Outrageous Punishment

"Petty Crime, Outrageous Punishment"
A veteran journalist argues against the "three strikes rule" for punishment.

"Arguing Three Strikes"
Emily Bazelon's May 2010 New York Times Magazine article opens with the story of Norman Williams, a homeless man sentenced to life in prison as a result of California's three strikes legislation. Bazelon dissects the effects of this legislation on the nation's justice system, questioning the severity of the punishments in relation to the crimes committed.

"Three Strikes and You're Out"
Three Strikes is an organization in full support of California's 1994 Three Strikes legislation. The site offers statistics and information about crime in California, the history of the Three Strikes laws, and commentary about the policy.

"New York's Three-Strikes Law Unconstitutional"
This 2010 local news article details a court decision deeming New York's three-strikes law as unconstitutional, stating, "We hold that the Sixth Amendment right to a jury trial, applicable to the states as incorporated by the Fourteenth Amendment, prohibits the type of judicial fact-finding resulting in enhanced sentences under New York's PFO statute."

"Three Strikes--CBS News"
This CBS News story provides more information on Leandro Andrade's harsh criminal sentence after stealing children's videotapes from a Kmart store, exploring the reasons behind the Three-Strikes Law's passing and questioning the efficacy of such laws.

"Going Down Swinging"
Ray Fisman's 2008 Slate.com article asks, "what if three-strikes laws make criminals less likely to repeat offend--but more violent when they do?"