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LWV League of Women Voters of California Education Fund
Los Angeles County, CA November 6, 2012 Election
Smart Voter

Jackie Lacey
Answers Questions

Candidate for
District Attorney; County of Los Angeles

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The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of Los Angeles County and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What experiences and personal qualities best equip you to serve as District Attorney?

As Chief Deputy District Attorney, I am responsible for the day-to-day operations of the nation's largest local prosecutorial office. For the past 11 years, I have been involved in nearly every major decision regarding the prosecution of violent criminals in Los Angeles County. I have dedicated 26 years to prosecuting thousands of serious felony crimes and seeking justice for victims.  I have led efforts to create innovative crime-fighting tools to address graffiti, animal cruelty, drug and alcohol abuse and domestic violence.  I  helped establish alternative courts for veterans, the mentally ill and women.

2. What has been the impact of "three strikes" legislation in L.A. County? Has it been cost effective? Should any changes be made in its application?

I support Proposition 36, which basically adopts the current policy of the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. It reserves 25-year-to-life sentences for serious or violent third-strike offenses, except in very unusual circumstances. As a 26-year felony prosecutor, I believe the Three-Strikes Law has been a useful tool in protecting the public from repeat violent offenders in Los Angeles County. The office's current policy ensures that the law is administered fairly, justly and with proportionality, as California voters originally had intended.

Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' answers are presented as submitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 28, 2012 03:30
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