People v. McCart

Opinion

REYNOSO, J.

This appeal requires the judiciary once again to interpret and properly apply the complex provisions of the Determinate Sentencing Act. We consider the provisions contained in Penal Code section 1170.1, subdivision (b) for sentencing persons who commit crimes while imprisoned. We are presented with a single question: What is the proper computation of the term for multiple convictions of felonies committed in state prison?

At the outset we note the Legislature has determined that such crimes will in some ways be punished more severely than crimes committed “on the outside.” At…