Crime, Measure 11, Rehabilitation

Crime is a problem in our district, particularly in difficult economic times with high unemployment.  As the victim of a serious felony, a measure 11 offense, I support Measure 11 mandatory minimum sentencing because it gave me the comfort of certainty regarding the punishment that society believed was proper for the offense.  There was no chance that a judge having a bad day could break faith with society in favor of a personal preference.  I believe that the criminal justice system should punish criminals first, so that they are aware that society is serious about preventing future crime, and only after the criminal has been punished in some way should rehabilitation be offered in appropriate circumstances.  If the criminal justice system focuses on rehabilitation to the exclusion of punishment, it reduces respect for the rule of law, and encourages first-time criminals.
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