Officially known as the Habitual Offender Laws; “Three strikes” laws have become commonplace in 29 states (Chern) of the United States and the federal court system; these laws were designed to combat criminal recidivism through incapacitation through the prison system. The idea behind the laws was to maximize the deterrent and selective incapacitation effect of the criminal justice system. According to this deterrence theory, individuals are deterred from committing criminal activity by the threat of state-imposed incarceration. Californians passed the "three strikes" law (Proposition 184) on March 7, 1994 by 72% of the vote, with the aim of reducing crime by targeting serious repeat offenders and incarcerating them long-term, thus eliminating the possibility of commit another offense. Some unusual scenarios have occurred due to these laws, particularly in California; some defendants received sentences of 25 years to life in prison for minor offenses such as shoplifting golf clubs or stealing a slice of pizza from a child on the beach or from a double sentenced to 50 years to life in prison for stealing nine video tapes from two different stores while child molesters, rapists and murderers are serving only a few years. Due to some of these scenarios, the three convictions attracted strong criticism not only in the United States but also outside the country (Campbell). Many questions now arise regarding “three strikes” laws, such as alternatives to incarceration for non-heinous crimes. What would happen if the state got rid of "strikes" and ensured that people convicted of a serious crime serve their full sentence? It is imperative to compare the benefits, costs, and alternatives to incarceration middle of paper......Reynolds, Mike. 15 years before “Three Strikes” to 15 years after “Three Strikes”!. NP, 2009. Web. May 7, 2015..Schiraldi, Vincent. “Three strikes and you’re out: an examination of the impact of strike laws 10 years after their enactment.” Judicial Policy Institute. Justice Policy Institute, March 2004. Web. May 12, 2015. .Berger, Joanna. “Fear of the first strike: California's full deterrent effect.” Journal of Legal Studies 31.1 (2002): 159-201. Internet. May 12, 2015. “Three strikes and you are outlawed. » analysis of the 1995-1996 finance bill. Office of the Legislative Analyst, February 22, 1995. Web. May 13 2015. .