Measure
Measure 11 refers to a set of mandatory minimum sentencing laws in Oregon, enacted in 1994, that require judges to impose specific minimum sentences for certain violent crimes, such as murder, rape, and robbery, without the possibility of parole. This means that offenders must serve at least a designated period of time in prison, regardless of circumstances. The intention behind Measure 11 is to ensure consistency in sentencing and to deter violent crime, but it has also sparked debates about its impact on overcrowded prisons and the justice system's ability to address individual cases fairly.
Additional Insights
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Measure 49 is an Oregon ballot measure approved by voters in 2007. It was designed to modify the state's land-use laws, specifically addressing claims made under Measure 37 from 2004, which allowed landowners to seek compensation for regulatory restrictions on property use. Measure 49 set limits on the rights of landowners to develop their property without following land-use regulations. It aimed to balance property rights with community planning and environmental protections, allowing some development while preserving important farmland and natural resources. Essentially, it sought to protect state land-use policies from unchecked development claims.
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Measure 36 was a ballot initiative approved by Oregon voters in 2004 that defined marriage as the union between one man and one woman, effectively banning same-sex marriage in the state. This measure reflected a significant social debate at the time regarding marriage equality and LGBTQ+ rights. Its passage was part of a broader wave of similar measures across the United States. However, Measure 36 was eventually rendered unconstitutional by a federal court in 2014, which marked a pivotal moment in the movement for marriage equality in Oregon and beyond.
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Measure 91 was a ballot measure passed in Oregon in 2014 that legalized the recreational use of marijuana for adults aged 21 and over. The measure allowed individuals to possess, use, and cultivate limited amounts of marijuana. It also established a regulatory framework for the production, sale, and taxation of marijuana through licensed retailers. The law aimed to control and tax marijuana similar to alcohol, reduce criminal penalties, and improve public safety, all while generating tax revenue for the state that could be used for education, healthcare, and drug treatment programs.