California's three strikes law: A policy analysis

The purpose of this thesis was to analyze California's Three Strikes Law by using David Gil's social policy analysis framework. The thesis examined the impact that this law has had on specific ethnic groups, the mentally ill, and those challenged by substance abuse. Findings indicated that African Americans and Latinos comprise the majority of second and third strikers in California prisons at disproportionate rates. It was also found that those with mental illness and those challenged by substance abuse were also likely to be sentenced with longer prison sentences. While the law intended to incarcerate violent career criminals, it was found that nearly two thirds of those sentenced are imprisoned for nonviolent offenses, such as drug possession. The law has also had a negative fiscal impact on the state and its citizens, as it continues to divert much needed funds from education and other programs to the department of corrections.