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Locked Away: The Consequences of the War on Drugs
Documentary United States of America
The Third Strike is a documentary film directed by Alison Armstrong and produced by The Marshall Project, a nonprofit journalism organization that focuses on issues related to criminal justice. The film examines the impact of three-strikes laws in California, which were passed in 1994 as part of the state's response to the drug epidemic of the 1980s.
The three-strikes laws mandated a sentence of life imprisonment without parole for anyone who committed a third felony, regardless of the severity of the offense. The film argues that these laws were disproportionately enforced against people of color and low-income individuals, resulting in a massive increase in the state's prison population and a corresponding decrease in funding for education and other public services.
The film features interviews with activists, politicians, and formerly incarcerated individuals who share their personal experiences with the three-strikes laws. They recount stories of people being sent to prison for life for non-violent offenses, such as stealing a piece of pizza or shoplifting. The film also examines the role of media in shaping public perception of the drug epidemic, which led to the passage of harsher drug laws and mandatory minimums.
Overall, The Third Strike provides a powerful critique of the criminal justice system in the United States and the policies and practices that have contributed to mass incarceration. It highlights the need for reform and a more compassionate approach to addressing issues related to substance abuse and other social problems.
The three-strikes laws mandated a sentence of life imprisonment without parole for anyone who committed a third felony, regardless of the severity of the offense. The film argues that these laws were disproportionately enforced against people of color and low-income individuals, resulting in a massive increase in the state's prison population and a corresponding decrease in funding for education and other public services.
The film features interviews with activists, politicians, and formerly incarcerated individuals who share their personal experiences with the three-strikes laws. They recount stories of people being sent to prison for life for non-violent offenses, such as stealing a piece of pizza or shoplifting. The film also examines the role of media in shaping public perception of the drug epidemic, which led to the passage of harsher drug laws and mandatory minimums.
Overall, The Third Strike provides a powerful critique of the criminal justice system in the United States and the policies and practices that have contributed to mass incarceration. It highlights the need for reform and a more compassionate approach to addressing issues related to substance abuse and other social problems.