Connecticut Senate Bill SB00357

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/11
• Refer: 1/20/11

Caption

An Act Concerning The Sentencing Of Repeat Violent Offenders.

Impact

The implications of SB00357 are discussed within the context of state criminal justice reform. By creating a 'three strikes' law, the bill could potentially lead to a stricter penal regime for individuals who commit repeated violent offenses. Supporters argue that the law would provide a necessary tool for law enforcement to protect citizens from habitual offenders. However, critics raise concerns about the long-term effects on the prison system and the potential increase in incarceration costs, as well as the fairness of mandatory sentencing for complex situations that might merit different judicial considerations.

Summary

SB00357 aims to amend section 53a-40 of the general statutes regarding the sentencing of repeat violent offenders in the state. The bill proposes a significant change by instituting a mandatory life imprisonment sentence without the possibility of parole for individuals who have been convicted of violent offenses three times. The intent behind this legislation is to deter repeat offenders and enhance public safety by ensuring that those with a history of violent crimes are removed from the community permanently.

Contention

Opposition to SB00357 centers around the issue of justice and rehabilitation. Critics argue that the bill's rigid sentencing structure could prevent judges from exercising discretion based on individual circumstances of each case. They highlight that not all repeat offenders pose the same level of threat and that a one-size-fits-all approach could result in unjust outcomes, where individuals who may be rehabilitated or those involved in lesser degrees of violence are bound to harsh sentences forever. This balancing of punishment versus rehabilitation remains a key point of contention in the ongoing discussions surrounding the bill.