Governor´s Anti-Crime Stance Faces Test In Court

One of Governor Gray Davis´ most publicized anti-crime stances will be tested before the California Supreme Court on Tuesday. The case considers whether the governor is abusing his often-used power to block convicted murderers from being paroled. Denying parole is part of Davis´ tough-on-crime persona. But some legal experts suggest the governor has a more moderate side that is overshadowed by his stance on parole. They note Davis is following the will of voters, who approved the death penalty, three strikes and granted the chief executive powers to overturn a convict’s parole.

Others say Davis´ hard-line stance on such issues far outweighs the effect of bills he’s approved that help defendants, including one that grants certain defendants the right to petition to have their convictions overturned.