One of the most controversial laws in efforts to reduce crime was the "three strikes" law that was enacted. This law, already in effect in twenty-seven states, requires that offenders convicted of three violent felonies be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The law is based on the idea that the majority of crimes are committed by about 6% of the most hardened criminals and that crime can be eliminated by getting these criminals off the streets. Unfortunately, the law does not take into account its own flaws and the way in which it is implemented. One of the problems of the law lies in its principle of removing the discretionary power of the judge. This seriously hampers the judge's ability to tailor the sentence to the crime. Even though some criminals deserve life in prison, it is unfair to create a standard that would force judges to sentence offenders to life in prison for relatively minor crimes. The possibility of reform is completely removed. Mimi Silbert, president of the Delancey Street Foundation, a halfway house for prisoners, tells the story of Albert who was sent to San Quentin Prison at age 19; he had then committed 27 armed robberies. Three strikes and you're out, he'd still be in jail. Released at age 36, he is a caring father, works as a plumber and substitute teacher, and lives a drug- and crime-free life. A three-strikes law would deny this chance to Albert and many others like him. Criminals are capable of reforming themselves, but this law would deny them that chance. (Silbert) The assumption that all triple offenders are incorrigible criminals is an oversimplification of a more complex problem. Three Strikes relies on the assumption that a few extreme cases are representative of all criminals. Mimi Silbert points out ... middle of paper ...... to improve their public image, and with crime as one of the most prominent issues in the American consciousness, this issue is one they address regularly . Solutions to this problem will be easier when politicians decide to find the right ways to deter crime and not just try to hide criminals. Works Cited Self-help programs can help criminals turn their lives around, Mimi Silbert, http://articles.philly.com/1994-02-04/news/25860646_1_prison-terms-criminals-drug-salesThe High Cost of Prison Emptying, Robert Gangi, http://www.facts1.net/article.php?id=1304Adding Value to Justice Outcomes Assessments, Edwain Zedlewski, https://www.ncjrs.gov/ pdffiles1/nij/grants/230402.pdfWhere will the three-step plan take us in 20 years, Robert Gangi, New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com/1994/02/07/opinion/l -where-the-three-strikes-plan-takes-us-in-20-years-107212.html