Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Baumes Law is a rule that says if someone has been convicted of four serious crimes, they can be punished more severely, even with life in prison. The law was named after a senator from New York and was first passed in 1926. It's similar to the Three-Strikes Law, which also punishes repeat offenders more harshly.
Definition: Baumes Law is a statute that allows for harsher criminal prosecution and penalties, including life imprisonment, for an offender who has been convicted of four felonies or certain misdemeanors. The law is named after New York state Senator Caleb H. Baumes, who introduced the first version of the law in 1926.
For example, if someone has been convicted of four separate felonies, they could face life imprisonment under Baumes Law. This law is similar to the Three-Strikes Law, which imposes harsher penalties for repeat offenders.
Baumes Law is designed to deter repeat offenders and protect society from those who have demonstrated a pattern of criminal behavior. By imposing stricter penalties on those who have been convicted multiple times, the law aims to reduce crime and keep communities safe.