We have the dubious distinction of leading the feds on this in California with over 5,000 separate criminal provisions in our penal code. All of this byzantine complexity and over-criminalization results in unequal and often arbitrary application of the law. https://twitter.com/jgmosteller/status/1321425951746568196

I’m reminded of this @JerryBrownGov veto message of several bills creating new crimes: “Each of these bills creates a new crime -- usually by finding a novel way to characterize and criminalize conduct that is already proscribed. This multiplication and particularization of

criminal behavior creates increasing complexity without commensurate benefit.
“Over the last several decades, California’s criminal code has grown to more than 5,000 provisions covering every almost conceivable form of human misbehavior.

“During the same period, our jail and prison populations have exploded. Before we keep going down this road, I think we should pause and reflect how our system of criminal justice could be made more human, more just and more cost-effective.” AMEN