THREE-STRIKES LAW

three-strikes law. Slang. A statute prescribing an enhanced sentence, esp. life imprisonment, for a repeat offender’s third felony conviction. • About half the states have enacted a statute of this kind. — Also termed three-strikes-and-you’re-out law. [Cases: Sentencing and Punishment 1200–1219. C.J.S. Criminal Law §§ 1463, 1472, 1638–1643, 1645–1647, 1650–1653.]