The ADLS Criminal Law committee has formed a sub-committee aimed at advancing the profession’s awareness and understanding of the importance of the parole system and process, increasing the number of lawyers practising in the area, and to create a network of strong legal voices advocating for any identified need for change or improvement in the system.
New Zealand has a significant prison population and a punitive prison culture. So, prisoners must have legal representation throughout their sentences and at their Parole Board hearing.
Limited resources and delays in accessing relevant programs impact critically on a person’s sentence progression and ability to be considered for parole. This issue is directly relevant to New Zealand’s high prison population and concerns about recidivism. Covid-19 has only exacerbated these challenges.”
Between 2018 and 2019, 9,119 Parole Board hearings were conducted but despite prisoners having a right to legal representation, it is estimated only 10% to 15% exercised this right. The statistic is concerning because of the individual rights at stake, namely unlawful or arbitrary detention.
An initial key focus of the Parole Sub-Committee will be on the provision (or non-provision) of rehabilitation and reintegration programs to prisoners during their sentences. The rehabilitation and reintegration of a prisoner through the programs and other interventions is a principal purpose of the Corrections system.
The ADLS Parole Sub-Committee with be co-chaired by Emma Priest and Lucy Smith
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