Criminal,
California Supreme Court
Aug. 26, 2025
Divided California Supreme Court narrows Three Strikes law
In a rare 4-3 split, the state Supreme Court ruled that prior convictions must qualify as serious felonies under current law to enhance sentences under the Three Strikes Law. Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero dissented, warning the decision undermines voter intent and wipes out longer terms for repeat offenders.
In a rare 4-3 decision, the state Supreme Court ruled Monday that under a 2021 statute, prior convictions must qualify as 'serious felonies' under current law to enhance prison sentences under the Three Strikes Law. Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero filed a pointed dissent.
Justice Goodwin H. Liu, writing for the majority, vacated the sentences of two gang members convicted of attempted murder, holding that prosecutors must prove the defendants' prior convictions would q...
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