Wayne Mapp

National Justice Spokesperson

12 June 2001

Bringing in Judges an Opposition victory

Tonight's announcement that Parliament is to allow three Court of Appeal Judges to brief the Justice and Electoral select committee on the issue of criminal appeals is a victory for the Opposition, National's Justice spokesperson Wayne Mapp said.

"The Opposition believes that this is the correct way to hear the views of the Court of Appeal and deal with the issues surrounding criminal appeals.

"For weeks National MPs have pushed for the issues to be properly considered by the Minister. The Law Society has taken a principled position throughout.

"Having the Court of Appeal Judges being heard by the committee is an appropriate way to deal with the issues within the Crimes (Criminal Amendment) Bill.

"Tonight's announcement is what we hoped for. It's good for the bill, the select committee and democracy," Dr Mapp said.

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