Howard League Mourn the Loss of Greg King

The Howard League Wellington is deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Greg King and our sincerest condolences go out to Greg’s wife, children and family.

As far as the League is concerned, Greg was not just a talented defense lawyer, he was also a justice system reformer and his ongoing contribution will be sorely missed.

As an active member of the Wellington branch of the League, Greg spoke recently at a branch meeting about his proposal for a “management court” system in New Zealand.

He studied community courts in the United States earlier this year whilst on the Eisenhower Fellowship. He was a strong and intelligent speaker. He spoke of how prison is often not effective at reforming or rehabilitating and is extremely expensive. The management courts would combine punishment and help and encouragement for individual defendants to address their underlying problems.

For Maori defendants there would be a strong cultural focus and encouragement to re-establish tribal links, values and support. The courts would focus on all of the offender’s criminality factors, such as drug dependence and rehabilitation, mental health, family violence issues, and employment.

Greg will be missed both personally and professionally. The Howard League will continue to advocate for his court reform ideas and his work will be honored and advanced.

ENDS

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