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In California, for nearly 20 years now, a person convicted of breaking three laws -- no matter how minor -- would be sent to prison for life, no exceptions.

Californians brought a close to a shameful period in the state’s history when they voted this month to soften the infamous “three strikes” sentencing law.

Proposition 36 will be decided upon by Californians on Nov. 6. Its passage would save our state tens of millions of dollars a year and increase fairness in our sentencing system without leading to more crime.

The modest reforms in Proposition 36 eliminate the potential for abuse of this powerful sentencing tool and will help to save the three-strikes law as an important sentencing tool and to protect public safety.

Proposition 36 is a reform all conservatives can and should support.

Prop. 36 would end harsh 25-years-to-life terms for minor third offenses and save the state money.

Proposition 36 would adjust the Three-Strikes law so that lesser felonies don't automatically result in costly life sentence.

More than a decade after California set a national trend toward longer sentences for habitual criminals with its three-strikes law, crime in the Golden State is down, prison costs are up - and voters are poised to soften the hardline stance.

On Nov. 6, voters in California will decide whether to adopt Proposition 36, a ballot initiative that would reform the most draconian aspects of the law — and, in our view, restore the original intent of voters...

Opponents say the Three Strikes law has led to the drop in the crime rate, and we agree that it is one of the many reasons for reduced crime. But this adjustment in the Three Strikes law makes sense. Voters should support Prop. 36.

Romano has given the students an assignment for the night of Nov. 6. He will be hosting a gathering, and expects them all to attend. I hope it will be a victory party.

California's law mandating life in prison for a third felony conviction has led to cases like that of Shane Taylor, who has been in prison since being convicted in 1996 for possessing $10 worth of methamphetamine.