What is a measure 11 crime in Oregon?

What is a Measure 11 Crime in Oregon?

Oregon’s Measure 11, also known as the "Measure 11 Crime" or "Class A Felony," is a set of crimes that carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 70 months to 90 months in prison. This measure was approved by Oregon voters in 1994 and aimed to address the perceived leniency of the state’s criminal justice system.

Definition of Measure 11 Crimes

Measure 11 crimes are categorized as Class A Felonies, which are the most serious types of crimes in Oregon. These crimes are considered violent or serious offenses that have a significant impact on society. The following are the types of crimes that are considered Measure 11 crimes in Oregon:

• Murder: First-degree murder, second-degree murder, and manslaughter
• Kidnapping: First-degree kidnapping, second-degree kidnapping, and kidnapping with assault
• Sexual Assault: First-degree sodomy, first-degree rape, and first-degree sexual abuse
• Burglary: First-degree burglary, second-degree burglary, and burglary with assault
• Unlawful Use of a Weapon: Unlawful use of a weapon during the commission of a felony
• Robbery: First-degree robbery and second-degree robbery

Mandatory Minimum Sentencing

One of the key features of Measure 11 is the mandatory minimum sentencing requirement. This means that if a person is convicted of a Measure 11 crime, they must serve a minimum of 70 months to 90 months in prison. The sentence is determined by the seriousness of the crime and the offender’s criminal history.

Impact of Measure 11

Measure 11 has had a significant impact on Oregon’s criminal justice system. Some of the key effects include:

• Increased Incarceration Rates: Measure 11 has led to an increase in the number of people incarcerated in Oregon prisons.
• Longer Sentences: The mandatory minimum sentencing requirement has resulted in longer sentences for those convicted of Measure 11 crimes.
• Increased Cost: The increased incarceration rates and longer sentences have put a strain on the state’s budget, resulting in increased costs for corrections and law enforcement.
• Disproportionate Impact on Communities of Color: Measure 11 has disproportionately affected communities of color, with African Americans and Latinx individuals being overrepresented in the prison population.

Criticisms and Controversies

Measure 11 has been the subject of controversy and criticism since its implementation. Some of the key criticisms include:

• Racial Disparities: The mandatory minimum sentencing requirement has been criticized for disproportionately affecting communities of color.
• Ineffective: Measure 11 has been criticized for being ineffective in reducing crime, as it focuses on punishment rather than rehabilitation.
• Cost-Effective: The increased incarceration rates and longer sentences have been criticized for being a costly and ineffective way to address crime.

Alternative Sentencing Options

Despite the criticisms, Measure 11 has also led to the development of alternative sentencing options. These options aim to provide a more humane and effective way to address crime, while also addressing the root causes of criminal behavior. Some of these options include:

• Diversion Programs: Programs that provide treatment and rehabilitation for offenders, rather than punishment.
• Community Sentencing: Sentencing programs that allow offenders to serve their sentence in the community, rather than in prison.
• Restorative Justice: Programs that bring together victims, offenders, and the community to address the harm caused by crime.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Measure 11 is a set of crimes in Oregon that carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 70 months to 90 months in prison. The measure has had a significant impact on the state’s criminal justice system, resulting in increased incarceration rates and longer sentences. While Measure 11 has been criticized for its racial disparities and ineffectiveness, it has also led to the development of alternative sentencing options. These options aim to provide a more humane and effective way to address crime, while also addressing the root causes of criminal behavior.

Table: Measure 11 Crimes in Oregon

Bullets: Key Takeaways

• Measure 11 is a set of crimes in Oregon that carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 70 months to 90 months in prison.
• The measure has resulted in increased incarceration rates and longer sentences.
• Measure 11 has been criticized for its racial disparities and ineffectiveness.
• Alternative sentencing options, such as diversion programs and community sentencing, aim to provide a more humane and effective way to address crime.