In the wake of the “tough on crime” movement, several states have adopted extremely stringent sentencing requirements for repeat offenders. Local, state and federal leaders say these laws help prevent crime through deterrence while removing potentially dangerous offenders from the streets. While this removes deviants from the streets, it can also result in disproportionate punishment for an otherwise minor crime. This article attempts to analyze the three strikes law and determine its effectiveness in cases of recidivism and new crimes (Eastvedt, 2008). May The main part of the Can-May-Should analysis addresses whether or not the government has the authority of God, the Constitution, and the people to address a specific policy or law (Akers, 2013). Biblically, crime is spoken of in the Bible with contempt and disgust. For example, Exodus 21:24-25 states that “An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a hand for a hand, a foot for a foot, a burn for a burn, a wound for a wound, a stripe for a stripe (American Standard Version).” This can be interpreted as the need for the punishment to fit the crime. The Constitution provides several guidelines for local, state, and federal lawmakers regarding crime and punishment. Article 3, Section 2, Clause 3 of the United States Constitution provides that all trials shall be held in the state in which the crime was committed. The 5th Amendment provides protection from self-incrimination while the 6th Amendment guarantees offenders the right to a speedy public trial with the right to be informed of the crime of which they are accused. At the local level, states are authorized to enforce laws within their jurisdiction. States can establish penalties and mandatory minimums for crimes committed within state jurisdiction....... middle of paper... 1980s epidemic. More recently, other states have begun to enact similar laws in an effort to deter crime and remove repeat offenders from the community (Austin, 2000). Logistically, the three strikes law requires a robust criminal justice system that can handle a surge within the offender group. population. States must have access to prisons capable of managing long-term offenders, to the extent necessary to ensure that treatment and quality of life are humane (Austin, 2000). Conclusion Three strikes laws are an effective method for removing criminals from the streets for an extended period of time. Although some argue that the punishment may be disproportionate to the crime committed by the offender, laws are enacted to maintain civility and order. When offenders commit crimes, they should be punished to prevent future crimes and to dissuade others from behaving in the same way.