....for 25 years to life.
This evening, one of my nieces and her two sons came to dinner. Her oldest boy is in eighth grade and he has been given an interesting assignment. The Language Arts teacher has instructed his students to find 20-25 resources on the subject of the Three Strikes Law in California. They are to prepare a paper about it, and be ready to argue either the pro or con side of the issue.
We sat at the computer, browsing through Google for resources, and I was astounded at the information we brought up. I plan to do a more complete entry on the subject later, but I wanted to comment on the pleasure of helping a youngster to look at an issue and begin to prepare his presentation.
We looked at the issue from both points of view. We played devil's advocate with him, and tried to point out ways to support both stands. We taught him the word "recidivist," and what it means.
We talked about the inequity of putting a man in prison for 25 years to life for stealing FOUR COOKIES, while murderers receive lesser sentences.
This will be an interesting subject to blog about. I hope to get back to it in January, so please be marshalling your thoughts. I'd love to hear what you think about it.
Comments (2)
Absolutely fascinating. I look forward to the continuation!
Posted by Essay Canajun | December 10, 2003 7:15 PM
Posted on December 10, 2003 19:15
Well since I worked in the Department of Corrections for many years I have many thoughts on this ~ while I was the secretary for the Mental Health division I witnessed rapist and murders go free who had no remorse to their crimes and actually laughed about it and readily admited they'd commit the crimes again for the "rush". When I also witnessed other's who were incarcerated for vehicular *however you spell it* manslaughter for falling asleep at the wheel serve much more sever sentences and everyday they lived their crime in their own minds eye and unable to deal with the fact a life was lost due to their stupidity behind the wheel. Something is very wrong with the way they release without question regardless the crime to criminals. In my humble strong opinion!!!
Posted by Jamie | December 12, 2003 2:15 AM
Posted on December 12, 2003 02:15