What does the 'three strikes' law entail?

The 'three strikes' law refers specifically to statutes designed to impose severe penalties on individuals who are convicted of multiple crimes, particularly those involving serious or violent offenses. Under this law, after a person has been convicted of a certain number of felonies—often three—they face significantly harsher sentences for subsequent offenses, potentially including life imprisonment. This approach is intended to deter repeat offenders by escalating the consequences after the individual has demonstrated a pattern of criminal behavior.

This law aims to address issues surrounding habitual offenders by mandating that after two felony convictions, any new felony conviction results in a much stiffer penalty, reflecting the belief that repeated criminal behavior warrants increased accountability and punishment. While some may debate the implications of such laws, particularly regarding their impact on crime rates and prison populations, the primary focus remains on toughening the consequences for those who continue to engage in criminal activities despite earlier convictions.

The other choices do not align with the primary function of the 'three strikes' law. Reducing penalties for first offenders or focusing on rehabilitation is not the purpose of these statutes, which instead emphasize more stringent penalties for repeat offenses. Similarly, the concept of a third appeal in criminal cases does not relate to this law's framework or intent.