Every decent New Zealander will feel sympathy for the family of Navtej Singh following the verdict which found just one of those tried for his murder guilty, with the rest guilty of neither murder no

The change of direction by this government is no better illustrated than by the move announced today to keep track of abusive mothers who have either had their children taken into care – or worse.

Last week I had a rather spirited exchange in the House when debating a Bill which among other things, lowers the age of those liable to appear in front of the Youth Court.

Speech by David Garrett MP, ACT New Zealand

To ACT National Conference 2010; Wellington College, Dufferin St, Wellington
Saturday, February 27 2010

ACT New Zealand Law & Order Spokesman David Garrett today welcomed High Court Judge Justice Asher’s call for the Government to review laws on knife possession, and agreed that offenders should face tougher penalties.

ACT Leader Rodney Hide was today pleased to announce that ACT's 'Three Strikes' policy is to be incorporated into the Government's Sentencing and Parole Reform Bill for passing into law.

I came down to the Chamber and I was not inclined to say anything on this Corrections (Contract Management Of Prisons) Amendment Bill, but in a way I could not help myself when I listened to the Labou

ACT New Zealand Justice Spokesman David Garrett today reiterated ACT's opposition to the Crimes (Provocation Repeal) Amendment Bill until such time as alternative defences – such as diminished responsibility – are put into law.

"This would ensure that mitigating circumstances are taken into account when individuals are on trial, as advocated by the New Zealand Law Society and senior prosecutors," Mr Garrett said.

The censoring of Victim Impact Statements is an example of the courts attempting to usurp the role of Parliament; my Victims’ Rights (Victim Impact Statements) Amendment Bill makes it clear that it is Parliament - and not the courts - that make the law, ACT New Zealand Law & Order Spokesman David Garrett said today.

ACT New Zealand Justice Spokesman David Garrett today announced that he will draft a Private Members' Bill – in support of calls from the father of murder victim Sophie Elliott – to change the rules regarding censorship of victim impact statements, giving victims and their families more freedom to confront those criminals who have afflicted their lives.