Three Strikes, You're Out Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Three Strikes, You're Out, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Three Strikes, You're Out?

n. recent (beginning 1994) legislation enacted in several states (and proposed in many others, as well as possible federal law) which makes life terms (or extremely long terms without parole) mandatory for criminals who have been convicted of a third felony (as in California) or of three felonies involving violence, rape, use of a deadly weapon or molestation. The impetus for “three strikes, you’re out” has come from public outrage over murders, assaults, rapes and child molestations by released ex-convicts with records of repeated violent crimes. Concern has been expressed about the provisions in some of the bills which prohibit plea bargaining of any charged felony down to a misdemeanor, deny any judicial discretion in sentencing and do not distinguish between violent felonies and cases of non-violent crimes which involve small amounts of money.

History and Meaning of Three Strikes, You're Out

The term "Three Strikes, You're Out" refers to recent (beginning 1994) legislation enacted in several states, which made life terms or extremely long terms without parole mandatory for criminals who have been convicted of a third felony. The law was initially designed to deter criminals from committing repeat offenses by increasing penalties for habitual offenders.

The idea behind Three Strikes, You're Out was fueled by public outcry over murders, assaults, rapes, and child molestations by released ex-convicts with records of repeated violent crimes. However, concerns arose over the provisions in some bills, which were thought to prohibit plea bargaining of any charged felony down to a misdemeanor, deny any judicial discretion in sentencing, and do not distinguish between violent felonies and non-violent crimes involving small amounts of money.

Examples of Three Strikes, You're Out

  1. In 1994, California became the first state to implement Three Strikes, You're Out, with other states following suit over the years.
  2. A man in Texas was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2015 under the Three Strikes, You're Out law for stealing a rack of ribs from a grocery store.
  3. In 2013, a man was sentenced to 25 years to life under the same law for stealing several videotapes worth $150 from a Target store in California.

Legal Terms Similar to Three Strikes, You're Out

  1. Habitual Offender - A person who has committed crimes repeatedly over time.
  2. Mandatory Minimums - Laws that require a minimum sentence to be imposed for certain offenses.
  3. Truth in Sentencing - Rules that limit or eliminate the possibility of parole in the criminal justice system.
  4. Sentencing Guidelines - Instructions for judges that determine appropriate sentences for people convicted of crimes.