California’s Sentencing Paradox


Our so called “Golden State” has an unacknowledged dark side. It may not be a big deal to everyone, but at least half the state knows somebody who has been to jail or prison. California has a very complex and extensive sentencing procedure. It was explained to me, by a judge, that people study for years specifically to calculate sentences and they have to keep studying just to keep up with all the changing laws.


These “new laws” contradict and counteract old laws to no end, and therein lies the problem. They rarely ever get rid of an old law, no matter how bad it is. They just revise and refine, so they never have to give up more than they want. Even with the federal government breathing down their necks.


We’ve all heard that processed food isn’t good for us, so why would refined laws be good for the state? For the individuals being sentenced, it’s very frustrating not being able to double-check or hold them accountable. Sometimes your public defender or lawyer will tell you one thing, and the courts will tell you another. It feels like conspiracy. They can just do whatever they want with you, make it look completely legal, and you can’t tell if they’re wrong or right. All in all, I think it’s past time they take everything back to square one and start over.

*This art project represents the question of time waiting here in prison.

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