| Oregon Ballot Measure 11 (1994) |
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Information AboutOregon Ballot Measure 11 (1994) |
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Measure 11 establishes minimum Prison terms for certain felonies. The sentencing judge cannot give a lesser sentence, nor can a prisoner's sentence be reduced below the minimum for parole or good behavior. Measure 11's minimum sentences are as follows: {Link without Title}
(Note: Oregon's Sodomy Laws only apply in cases in which one person is under 16 years old or does not consent. {Link without Title} ) The measure applies to all defendants over the age of 15, requiring juveniles over 15 charged with these crimes to be tried as adults. The measure was placed on the ballot via Initiative Petition by Crime Vicitims United , a Tough-on-crime political group. Proponents of the measure felt that Judges were being too leinent in sentencing violent offenders. They saw the measure as critical for lowering crime rates. Opponents of the measure felt that judges should be allowed discretion in sentencing and should be able to account for the particular circumstances of the crime. They also objected to the requirement that many teenage defendants be tried as adults. {Link without Title} The effect of Measure 11 is still a matter of controversy in Oregon politics. Supporters credit Measure 11 for reducing crime rates. Opponents argue Measure 11 pressures innocent defendants into plea bargains for lesser (non-Measure 11) crimes because of the fear of mandatory sentences.[http://www.justicedenied.org/comment.htm In 2000 , Oregon Ballot Measure 94 was put on the ballot in an attempt to repeal Measure 11. The measure was defeated 387,068 to 1,073,275. {Link without Title} EXTERNAL LINKS
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