People v. Barrera

Opinion

GILDNER, J. *

Introduction

On June 5, 1990, the electorate adopted Proposition 115, the “Crime Victims Justice Reform Act.” (Raven v. Deukmejian (1990) 52 Cal.3d 336, 340 [276 Cal.Rptr. 326, 801 P.2d 1077].) Among its avowed purposes, as stated in the preamble, was “ . . to create a system ... in which violent criminals receive just punishment, . . .’ ” (Id. at p. 342.) Toward that end, Penal Code 1 section 206, defining the crime of torture, and section 206.1, prescribing its punishment, were enacted.

Section 206 provides:

“Every person who, with the intent to cause cruel or extreme pain…