CDC Platform

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Three Strikes Law.

The California Democratic Council supports amending the Three Strikes Law to (a) specify the three offenses (felonies) as VIOLENT crimes; and (b) to restore judicial discretion in sentencing because:

The public perception of the Three Strikes Law as it appeared on the ballot was that it referred to violent crimes against persons.

As currently written, the Three Strikes Law clogs the courts and prisons by occupying time, space, and resources which should be reserved for punishment of more serious crimes.

Education, prevention and rehabilitation have proven to be more effective in preventing crime than prolonged incarceration.

Moratorium on Executions in the State of California.

The California Democratic Council urges a moratorium on executions in California until issues of forensic science and judicial fairness are resolved because:

There is a risk of executing innocent persons.
Statistics point to discrimination based on race, ethnicity, national origin, geography and economic status.
Historically, some death penalties have been reversed due to inadequate representation or DNA evidence.
Studies reveal that capital punishment does not deter crime. One study found that states with the death penalty had homicide rates 48% to 101% higher over the last 20 years than states without capital punishment.
Every other Western democracy has abandoned the death penalty. In 2001, 90% of documented executions occurred in four countries: China, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the U.S.
Financial costs are overwhelming. The death penalty is far more expensive to enforce than a system of “life without parole.” The death penalty diverts resources from other law enforcement and community safety needs.