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Perspective

Mar. 11, 2015

Axing judicial discretion always fails

The state Supreme Court's recent ruling negating the residency requirements of Jessica's Law is a welcome and well-reasoned decision. By Michael Pancer and Ian Pancer


By Michael Pancer and Ian Pancer


Federal and state legislators have enacted, and the California initiative process has passed, laws requiring mandatory sentencing and sentencing consequences. While billed as "tough on crime" safety measures, in truth they are little more than poorly thought through efforts to pad the pockets of special interests. Without exception, eliminating judicial discretion in sentencing has led to disastrous consequences.

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