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To: Minister of Justice - Andrew Little
Abolish Three Strikes Law
Dear Minister of Justice Andrew Little,
You proposed a review of the Three Strikes Law to the Cabinet in November 2017, but you had withdrew the review due to the disagreement in the coalition between Labour Party, Green Party and NZ First. We agree with the idea that 'tough on crime' policies are not addressing the issue of reoffending - we believe that the Three Strikes Law should be abolished as it is ineffective.
Please reconsider proposing the review of the Three Strikes Law to the Cabinet with the appeal of abolishing it.
Why is this important?
The Sentencing and Parole Act 2002 established the Three Strikes Law which passed in 2010. The Three Strikes Law consists of three stages where the penalty increases for reoffences. Section 86A under The Sentencing and Parole Act 2002 states the different offences at each of these three stages. (Sentencing and Parole Act 2002, Section 86A http://www.legislation.govt.nz/act/public/2002/0009/latest/DLM3023002.html).
This issue is important to us because we feel that the Three Strikes Law is ineffective. Overpopulation in prisons arises from different factors, and in New Zealand we believe that the Three Strikes Law doesn't fulfil the intention it needs to meet. It contributes to the growing prison population. (http://www.corrections.govt.nz/resources/research_and_statistics/quarterly_prison_statistics/previous_years_prison_statistics/ps-september-2011.html).
The purpose of the Three Strikes Law was to address reoffending however it hasn't been effective. Minister of Justice Andrew Little proposed a review of the law to the Cabinet in November 2017, and has been blocked since.
Together we can encourage MPs to look at the evidence and consider more the impact our current system is having on individuals, family and society.
Sign and show your support for a compassionate justice system!