Kate's Law: A Study of How Tragedy Can Affect Legislation

• In Event: Pushing the Panic Button: Societal Influences on the Criminal Justice System

Abstract

Kathryn Steinle (Kate) was killed on July 1, 2015 in San Francisco, California. She was shot by a man who, had several previous felony convictions and was previously deported on numerous occasions. A media frenzy started after Kate was killed. Her parents demanded justice and questioned why her killer was on the streets. Kate’s Law was introduced eight days after her death and would increase the penalties for those who reenter the United States after being deported. This paper will explore the media blitz surrounding Kate’s death and the legislative response.

Author

• Jennifer Boyer, Indiana University of Pennsylvania