CRIME: Assess justice system

In the Saturday, Dec. 8 issue, on page A8 was an article headlined “Vehicle pursuit leads to arrest.” After reading it, several thoughts came to mind.

- Does Idaho have a “3 Strikes and You’re Out” law? If so, why is it not enforced? If not, I think it should be strongly considered!

- So many offenders are granted probation and it seems as if many re-offend. Should we not consider stiffer minimum sentences for repeat offenders and less granting of probation to those repeat offenders?

- The individual who was the subject of the article is a convicted felon. And he was found in possession of a firearm, which by itself is both a state and a federal crime. However, it seems as if the violators are seldom charged under the federal law.

Gun control advocates are always calling for more and more “common sense” gun laws. Before we worry about more laws, we should enforce the ones we already have, and there should be less plea bargaining.

The column (called Records, I believe) that lists sentencings often shows convictions and sentences for two or more offenses, and that the sentences are to run concurrently. Again, probably the result of plea bargaining. Seems like an offender often gets “2 for the price of 1!” And, to add insult to injury, it is often a repeat offender.

All of the above leads me to conclude that our criminal justice system is too weak and in need of stricter laws and stronger sentencing guidelines.

Might The Press do some investigative reporting on these subjects, with follow up reports?

LARRY TANZER

Spirit Lake