How Prop 47 Changed California's Criminal Justice System

A Comprehensive Guide to the Landmark Law

Introduction

Prop 47, also known as the Safe Neighborhoods and Schools Act, was passed by California voters in November 2014. The law reclassified certain nonviolent drug and property crimes as misdemeanors, rather than felonies, and it reduced the penalties for those crimes.

Key Provisions of Prop 47

• Reduced penalties for the following crimes from felonies to misdemeanors:
  • Drug possession (except for certain hard drugs)
  • Shoplifting (under $950)
  • Receiving stolen property (under $950)
  • Forgery (under $950)
• Allowed people with prior nonviolent felony convictions for these crimes to petition the court to have their convictions reduced to misdemeanors
• Set a new threshold of $950 for grand theft crimes

Impact of Prop 47

Prop 47 has had a significant impact on California's criminal justice system:

• Reduced the number of people incarcerated in state prisons for nonviolent crimes
• Decreased the racial disparities in drug arrests and convictions
• Saved the state money on corrections costs
• Increased access to drug treatment and other services for people with substance use disorders

Criticisms of Prop 47

Prop 47 has also been criticized by some, who argue that it has led to:

• Increased crime rates
• A decrease in public safety
• A lenient approach to nonviolent crimes

However, research has not found evidence to support these claims.

Conclusion

Prop 47 is a complex law that has had a significant impact on California's criminal justice system. While the law has been praised by some for its positive effects, it has also been criticized by others. Ultimately, the success or failure of Prop 47 is a matter of debate.

Additional Resources

• The Impact of Proposition 47
• Prop 47: California's Drug Sentencing Reform Law
• California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation: Prop 47