California: Prisoners of the State

In California, gun control advocates were successful in simultaneously passing Proposition 57 and 63 this November. Proposition 57 releases violent prisoners for budgetary reasons by changing the language that describes non-violent and violent. Proposition 63, also known as the “Safety for All” bill, calls for expanded background checks, specifically background checks when purchasing ammunition and magazines. It drastically restricts residents ability to defend themselves.

Proposition 57 seems at first blush to reveal a seemingly logical, prctical and even kind -hearted change intended to slow the ballooning prison population of “non-violent” offenders by reducing their sentences for good behavior. The language is nebulous and worded so as to inspire trust in political leaders judgement. But Prop 57’s most problematice componenet is teh deceptive use of the legal categorization of crime. It does not change the definition of violent crime,but it does manipulate the definition of “violent” vs “serious” or “non-violent” crime. The rub is that “serious” crimes land in the category of “non-violent”. Prop. 57 allows violent, dangerous and adult career criminals to be released from prison early for “non-violent” crimes, including those convicted of:

Rape by intoxication
Rape of an unconscious person
Human trafficking involving sex act with minors
Drive-by shooting
Assault with a deadly weapon
Taking a hostage
Domestic violence involving trauma
Supplying a firearm to a gang member
Lewd acts upon a child
Hate crime causing physical injury
Failing to register as a sex offender
Arson causing great bodily injury
Felon obtaining a firearm
Discharging a firearm on school grounds
False imprisonment of an elder
* Partial list

California voters also approved Proposition 63; 63-37 percent, and gun rights activists aren’t happy about it. Proposition 63, also known as the “Safety for All” bill, was proposed by California Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom. The proposition calls for expanded background checks, specifically background checks when purchasing ammunition and magazines. Those selling ammunition will also have to register for a license to do so.

In California, advocates were successful in simultaneously passing Proposition 57 and 63 this November. Proposition 57 releases violent prisoners for budgetary reasons by changing the language that describes non-violent and violent. Proposition 63, calls for expanded background checks, specifically background checks when purchasing ammunition and magazines. The combination drastically restricts residents ability to defend themselves, while releasing “serious” criminals back on the street.

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