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

There is also concern about creating more problems in the already-problematic three-strikes law.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 13, 2023

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

"One was that we couldn't file strikes pursuant to the three-strikes law. And the three-strikes law as a mandatory law. It's something that the prosecutors don't have the discretion to ignore."

From Fox News • Feb. 22, 2022

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