Prop 100 would deny bail to migrants suspected of crimes, needlessly overcrowd our jails, undermine due process and increase costs for local taxpayers.
About Proposition 100
No On 100
Prop. 100: NO
10/22/06 | Arizona Daily Star
Denial of bail, punitive damages
Propositions 100 and 102 are slaps in the face to our judicial system and our state's constitution. They both interfere with judicial independence.
Prevent Jail Overcrowding & Preserve Basic Liberties
A crime is a crime and criminals ought to be punished to the full extent of the law. No one is disputing that basic tenet of justice. Instead, we believe in the simple notion that everyone who commits a crime should be treated equally. Prop 100 creates a ‘second class' prisoner status for certain people. We believe that a crime is a crime and all criminals should be punished equally.
Prop 100 is unnecessary. Judges already have the authority to deny bail to individuals who are considered flight risks. This mean-spirited proposition's only purpose is to fan anti-immigrant fear and nativism.
Prop 100 will result in jail overcrowding. And, jail overcrowding puts a big strain on our judicial system. Not only does it cost money to house all of these prisoners, it also forces parole boards to make tough choices. When faced with overcrowding, parole boards are more likely to let convicted criminals back out onto the streets.
Prop 100 will waste Arizona tax dollars. Prop 100 will cost $2,100 per person per month to implement. Think about that. If just 500 prisoners are held for two more months than necessary, that will cost Arizona taxpayers $2.1 million! That's money that could be used to educate our children, improve our transportation or give Arizonans much needed tax relief.
Prop 100 means unequal treatment under the law. It doesn't make sense that some criminals have more rights than others. We believe that everyone who commits a crime – regardless of where they're from – should be punished equally. It also results in harmful jail overcrowding that wastes taxpayer dollars. It makes certain criminals second class citizens when all criminals deserve to be punished for their actions.
Prop 100 Wastes Taxpayer Money
If passed, Prop 100 will cost Arizona taxpayers $2,100 per prisoner, per month! At that rate, costs will quickly mount and Arizona taxpayers are likely to waste millions on unnecessary incarceration. Think about it. If just 300 prisoners serve two months in jail – that’s over $1.2 million.
Judges set appropriate bail given the nature of the crime. Our judges are experienced with setting bail and they should be trusted to do their jobs.