Natick's Linsky Comments on Three Strikes Bill

Gov. Patrick's proposed amendment to the so-called "three strikes" bill was overwhelmingly rejected on Monday, sparking comments from local lawmakers. 

The amendment would have give judicial discretion to a new three-strikes limitation which prohibits those who have committed three violent crimes from receiving parole. 

Some legislators argued there are already means to appeal parole decisions, WBUR reports. Natick's State Rep., David Linsky, told WBUR the Governor is able to use his own discretion. 

“A governor has two other extraordinary powers already: He has the power to pardon, he has the power to commute a sentence,” Linksy said. “A sentence commutation means to take a sentence and to make it shorter. The governor already has that power.”