You asked, and the DA answered! On episode #21, District Attorney Gascón answers a question from @_mq_1990 about the three strikes law. QUESTION: What are your thoughts on the Three Strikes Law and do you think they will ever change? ANSWER: I believe the Three Strikes Law has been one of the worst drivers of mass incarceration with no tangible public safety benefit that we have seen. The lengthening of prison terms starting in the 1970s is well documented as the main driver of mass incarceration, disproportionally affecting people of color. The Three Strikes law became the most notorious enhancement law since its adoption in California in the 1990s. This excessively punitive sentencing law resulted in infamous cases including when Army veteran and father of three Leandro Andrade received two life sentences after shoplifting movies for his kids. Sentencing enhancements have never been shown to enhance public safety. In fact, the opposite may be true. While initial incarceration prevents crime through incapacitation, studies show that each additional sentence year causes a 4 to 7 percent increase in recidivism that eventually outweighs the benefit of incarceration. By avoiding harsh sentencing and investing in rehabilitation programs, we can reduce crime and help people improve their lives — which leads to a healthier, safer community. When I assumed office, I instated a policy that effectively ended Three Strikes in Los Angeles. That policy was challenged in court, and our case is currently pending before the Supreme Court of California, to decide whether we will have the ability to end this draconian tool in Los Angeles once and for all. #LACounty #QandA #legal #law #districtattorney #ladaoffice #ThreeStrikesLaw