MovieChat Forums > Beyond Scared Straight (2011) Discussion > It made me want to help (some) of the co...

It made me want to help (some) of the cons...

posted 13 years ago by akronactor
11 replies | jump to latest

Don't get me wrong, they deserve to pay for their crimes, but some of them got a raw deal.
Cases like Lawrence (San Quentin) make me hate 3 Strikes Laws. 50 years to LIFE for stealing $40 from a liquor store is just plain WRONG. If there isn't anyone on the outside still suffering from what an inmate did, maybe they should get another chance.
And before the attacks begin, I'd like to state that I've served in the military and I have a criminal justice degree.

[–] Nikki39101 13 years ago

I remember somewhere, somebodys 3rd strike was a speeding ticket

[–] akronactor 13 years ago

For the ones who ARE eligible parole in the nearer future, I hope the parole board is shown the footage of them from this show. It really should count in their favor.

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] txeagle 13 years ago

Why is it wrong? Don't you think they should have learned to obey the law after the first two strikes? How many strikes should they get?

[–] akronactor 13 years ago

Society lets people remain on the streets with far more than three strikes if their crimes are minor ones. They should recieve the same sentence that anyone else does for minor crimes like that.

[–] NickiDrea 13 years ago

The Three Strikes Law involves felonies, which aren't minor offenses.

The inmates who claim that they got life just for stealing a small amount of money are generally flat-out lying. If they are getting life it's because they are on their third felony and because the two preceding felonies were serious ones.

In the state where I live the Three Strikes laws only applies to homicide, aggravated assault, rape, arson, etc. Even a felony theft would not subject someone to the Three Strikes laws (although robbery which is a violent crime, would).

FYI, I don't agree with most Three Strikes laws, especially ones like California's. But at some point people have to take responsibility for their own actions. If you are on your second strike and you know that another felony could put you away for life you need to show some self-restraint. If you know that very negative consequences will occur if you don't modify your behavior and you STILL can't control your impulses to engage in that behavior then I don't feel sorry for you. Generally.

[–] marktayloruk (2502) 3 years ago

Americans tend to.overdo.everything including jail sentences.

[–] Puddlemini 12 years ago

Question about intent though... why are some of the inmates participating in the program?

An onion can make people cry, but there is no vegetable invented to make them laugh.

[–] jai7279 12 years ago

Because it would get them extra privileges if they aren't able to get a reduction in sentence for participating

[–] avnrulz 12 years ago

I agree, most of them know they aren't getting out any time soon, so they volunteer for this process to try to earn some benefits within the prison (whatever they might be), and are allowed to do the one-on-ones under strict guidance.

I have often wondered if any of the kids have ever gone back on their own to visit the inmates and thank them.

BOHICA America!

[–] hodie 11 years ago

Hmmmm, my impression is that cons often lie.

Get me a bromide! And put some gin in it!