Criminal justice system needs much more transparency, not more secrecy

The Sensible Sentencing Trust is calling on parties across the Parliament to vote down the Labour Party members bill drawn from the ballot today which would extend so-called “Clean Slate” laws to expunge criminals records who serve a custodial sentence of up to 12 months after just 10 years.

“Secrecy in the justice system – particularly making it illegal to share people’s previous convictions or jail time – is inherently anti-victim, and anti-free speech.” said National Spokesperson, Louise Parsons.

Tangi Utikere’s Criminal Records (Clean Slate) (Additional Eligibility) Amendment Bill, would change the rules of eligibility for the clean slate scheme after 10 years of lawful behaviour for those who have served a custodial sentence of up to 12 months.

“Under this proposal, even offenders responsible for serious violent deaths could have their records effectively wiped from public view. New Zealand has seen multiple ‘one-punch’ manslaughter cases where offenders received sentences of less than 12 months’ imprisonment or home detention, despite a life being lost.” said Ms Parsons.

“These are not minor offences – they are cases involving fatal violence. Yet under Labour’s proposal, those individuals could qualify to have their convictions concealed after just ten years, leaving victims’ families to live with the consequences while the offender’s record is erased.  “Other common offences that would qualify for secrecy include many ram raiders, burglars, robbers and indecent assaults.  These are not minor offences or errors in judgment.  These crimes create real victims and often change the course of people’s lives massively. continued Ms Parsons.

“Under the last Government, Labour took a ‘soft on crime’ approach which saw crime and victim numbers spike. This Bill suggests Labour have learned nothing.”

“Sensible Sentencing Trust is calling on all political parties to commit to significantly increased openness and transparency of the criminal justice system.  More access, not less. More truth, less secrecy. New Zealanders can then make their own value judgments about people who have victimised others, rather than leaving it to judges and politicians to to pick and choose what the public are allowed to know.” concluded Ms Parsons.