By Brooke Sabin
The proposed "three strikes law" is coming under increased scrutiny with critics saying it is an attack on the foundation of justice.
National and Act have agreed on a policy which will see third-time serious offenders get the maximum sentence with no chance of parole.
Mt Eden prison is undergoing a facelift as part of a major overhaul of the historic facility in Auckland; when completed it will house 450 more offenders than it does now.
Opponents of the three strikes policy say we will need every bed.
“In fact I think it will increase crime. When people know that they are faced with
life in prison, meaning life, they will kill rather than being arrested,” says Peter Williams QC.
Reaction is clearly divided, with the Maori Party calling the policy an attack on the foundation of justice.
Lobby groups say there is no hope for offenders to be rehabilitated if their only option is a lengthy sentence.
“There are a small number, and they are relatively small, who are repeat violent offenders who do not want to be rehabilitated,” says David Garrett.
Prominent QC Peter Williams says the policy doesn't address one of the core reasons people end up in prison – alcohol.
What's more, drug dealers don't fall under the law; and as for serious violence – Mr Williams says it will have little impact.
“Murder is not usually committed by what you'd call ‘professional criminals’,” he says. “Murder is often a domestic thing.”
One of the biggest concerns opponents have is that power will be taken away from the judiciary.
On the third offence, in the vast majority of cases, offenders will face a maximum sentence.
Critics say that decision should not be made in parliament.
While prisons continue to be built, a major report just released in the UK says a third of the prison population needs to be released – and serious repeated offenders should be rehabilitated – not incarcerated.
A stark contrast in the direction New Zealand is about to lock itself into.
3 News