three-strikes law

American  

[three-strahyks] / ˈθriˈstraɪks /

noun

1. a law that mandates a life sentence to a felon convicted for the third time.

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Etymology

Origin of three-strikes law

First recorded in 1990–95

Example Sentences

It’s worth noting that the two major sentencing policies the Crime Bill pushed for—a federal three-strikes law and state truth-in-sentencing laws—were both laws that several states had adopted years earlier.

From Slate • Jun. 20, 2024

More than 70% of California voters supported the three-strikes law at the ballot box that fall.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2024

Washington effectively got rid of parole in 1984 and was the first state in the nation to enact the three-strikes law, handing a mandatory life sentence to anyone convicted of three felonies.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 11, 2022

Sobolewski, 38, who is homeless and has several convictions for other minor crimes, is being charged under the state's three-strikes law for retail theft, according to the news outlet.

From Fox News • Sep. 21, 2021

Another measure automatically restores the voting rights to felons once they leave prison, and one allows for resentencing of some people serving life without parole under the state’s three-strikes law due to second-degree robbery convictions.

From Washington Times • Apr. 26, 2021