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Archived Press Releases 2010 16th November 2010

VICTIM ADVOCATE CONGRATULATES GOVERNMENT ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORMS

(16th November 2010)

The Sensible Sentencing Trust is congratulating the Government on the radical overhaul of the Criminal Justice System – saying the Government has simply listened to the people.

Justice Minister Simon Power introduced the Criminal Procedure (Reform and Modernisation) Bill yesterday which contains proposals for the biggest changes to the criminal justice system in 50 years.

Trust Spokesman Garth McVicar said the changes were long overdue, "The current system had become a languishing, drawn-out legal process that was certainly not delivering justice from the victim’s perspective."

"The current system was totally out of balance; it had become offender friendly and was causing huge anxiety and stress for victims."

"Many victims felt the system had been designed to torment them, this was causing unnecessary and added pain and many victims were vowing to never put their trust and faith in the criminal justice system again."

Mr McVicar said many of the changes will no doubt upset some who defend criminals but in reality they need only to look in the mirror to see why the changes were needed.

"Some defence lawyers were using every trick in the book – and inventing a few new ones – to ensure their client walked free."

"To cry foul now is a bit like the pot calling the kettle black, this is self inflicted – the Government has simply listened to the people."

"It is essential that victims and the public have faith that the justice system will deliver fair and prompt justice – these changes will help to restore a much needed balance."

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.