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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. |
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Media Release
For Immediate
Release
CrimeNZ.com
Speaks for Victims of Crime
CHRISTCHURCH
,
NEW ZEALAND
– 1 September 2007: A new Web venture
devoted to discussing frankly the international criminal justice system. Launched from
Christchurch
,
New Zealand
,
in August, 2007, http://wwwcrimenz.com is meant to look at how the victims of
crime get a better accounting in the court system. Founded by social entrepreneur Lou
Harrison-Smith and featuring guest editorials from former New Zealand Member of
Parliament Marc Alexander and internationally acclaimed Web visionary Rod Amis.
Lou
Harrison-Smith says, "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."
Marc Alexander
considers crime the scourge of our era and has made it a top priority of his
agenda. He is proud to be part of this
new Internet initiative in which people from many nations can address the issue
frankly and fairly,
Rod Amis, when
asked about his involvement in the project said, "I know most people
consider me an inveterate leftist. But
I'm also concerned about reform of the criminal justice system, in my own
country, the
United States
,
and internationally. I do believe we
need to move toward a more intelligent system of reforms where victims of
crimes are not just left with bitterness but receive true recompense."
The point, Lou
explains, is rationalizing the system. The more citizens become active in
speaking out on these issues, the more politicians will have to listen and
respond, he argues.
"We're an
interactive Web site that invites comments and discussion and engagement,"
Lou Harrison-Smith says. "We trust
our visitors will be respectful of others and stick to the issue at hand."
For more information about
CrimeNZ.com please visit the Web site and click on the "Contact us"
link.
Rod Amis
rod@g21.net
Skype: g21guy
510-387-2908
"Work like you don't need the money
Love like you've never been hurt
Dance like nobody's watching" |
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