Mission Statement and Goals

Victims before criminals - When a conflict of interests arises between the rights of a victim and a criminal, the victims rights takes precedence even when, in its fulfillment, the rights of the criminal may not only be ignored but actively infringed upon. 

Justice before legalism - The law should stand to serve justice not hinder it. If the mere application of law undermines apparent justice, then the legal principle should be considered subservient to the dictates of justice. 

Victims of crime eligible for legal aid assistance to pursue justice. 

A complete overhaul of the criminal justice system - The justice system to be predicated on the three prioritized goals of crime reduction and prevention; siding with victims of crime and the law-abiding; and the re-instatement of punishment, shame, and retribution as legitimate means to deter re-offending. 

Assets of those punishable by imprisonment for a term of three years or longer are to be seized for victim support unless proven to be lawfully obtained. 

Everyone accused and charged of crime will have a limited right to legal aid - those found guilty will have the full cost of their legal aid bill as a debt to be paid and/or worked off during their prison term except and unless, they have pleaded guilty. 

Fundamental changes to the criminal justice system to be assented by referendum.
 

Opinion

Beast of Blenheim

Having just advocated on behalf of a murder victim's family in front of the parole board yesterday, and witnessing the sheer heartbreak of its aftermath, I find it utterly repugnant that convicted rapist Stewart Murray finds the proceedings at his parole hearing "difficult".

He complains that the process makes him feel "on trial again".

Excuse me for not caring but anyone who is found guilty of six rapes, three of stupefying, one of attempted rape of a girl under 14, a bestiality charge, two of ill-treatment of minors, two assaults on females, two indecent assaults on children, and four of indecent assault on women, deserves no second chance.

The bastard should count himself lucky that capital punishment is a thing of the past and that he has the advantage of building up his self esteem with a flotilla of counselors at taxpayers expense - much more that was ever provided the victims.

This weeks opinion comes from Marc Alexander, author of 'Justice with Both Eyes Open"; former deputy chair of the Law & Order Select committee; and Crime prevention spokesperson for the Sensible Sentencing Trust.