The Legacy: Murder and Media, Politics and Prison

Mike Reynolds and Marc Klaas shared a similar nightmare. In 1992, Reynolds' teenage daughter Kimber was murdered; a year later the Polly Klaas tragedy made national headlines. Following Kimber's death, Reynolds drafted a "3 strikes and you're out" proposal--a remarkably simple law aimed at putting repeat offenders behind bars for life, that--according to one interviewee--"didn't pass the giggle test" when it was introduced before the California legislature. That dismissive stance would change dramatically in the wake of the Klaas case, as Reynolds and Klaas teamed up to garner the 400,000 signatures necessary to bring the "3 strikes" initiative before the people of California. Combining interviews with Reynolds, Klaas, Klaas' father, and various judges, politicians and lobbyists, Michael J. Moore's absorbing and thought-provoking film traces the story behind the genesis of the "3 strikes" legislation, from Reynolds and Klaas' initial partnership as committed proponents to their later lobbying against one another as bitter enemies. Watching Reynolds and Klaas, and the California politicians--including Governor Pete Wilson and Senator Diane Feinstein--who rushed to embrace "3 strikes" as a key plank in their campaigns, viewers will see both a fascinating tale of original good intentions gone somewhat awry and a textbook case of political machinations, all leading to the haunting "legacy": one of California's fastest growing industries is now building prisons to house for life those who commit three--not necessarily violent--felonies. An outstanding discussion starter for high school, college, and general audiences, this is highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (R. Pitman)