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Workman Wrong On ACT's 'Three Strikes'
Workman Wrong On ACT's 'Three Strikes'
David Garrett MP
Thursday, November 13 2008
Kim Workman from 'Rethinking Crime and Punishment' says ACT's Three Strikes law would result in 7,000-10,000 more offenders in prison within a very short space of time - this is utterly incorrect, and shows Mr Workman's complete lack of understanding of the legislation as drafted, ACT New Zealand Law & Order Spokesman David Garrett said today.
"The draft Three Strikes law is NOT retrospective - which makes it irrelevant how many people are currently in prison for their second, third or subsequent offences," Mr Garrett said.
"If the policy were implemented tomorrow, the first 'three striker' would not become eligible for at least 20 years. Such a person would first have to have served two lengthy sentences for violence prior to committing their third strike.
"Mr Workman is unable to see beyond US 'Three Strikes' laws and their faults. I personally visited the US last year specifically to learn how to avoid the problems that Mr Workman has highlighted, and others.
"The resulting Bill has been described as 'wonderful' when compared to California's 'Three Strikes' law by a well-respected group lobbying to amend California's law. Perhaps Mr Workman should read ACT's Bill more carefully," Mr Garrett said.
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