Lawyers Rally Behind Chief Justice

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The nation's legal fraternity has mounted a strong defence of Chief Justice Dame Sian Elias's right to speak her mind on criminal justice matters, and insists her criticism was not aimed at the Key government.

Elias suggested in a speech to Wellington lawyers on July 9 that early release for some prisoners should be considered to ease overcrowding, and that the justice system was increasingly being influenced by emotions, driven by a political and media focus on victims.

The New Zealand Law Society, representing 11,000 lawyers, has swung in behind Elias, saying she had 40 years' experience and her views deserved serious attention, not attack.

Society president John Marshall, QC, said Elias did not criticise any specific government policy.

What John Marshall did not tell us, is that if we have longer sentencing then his 11,000 lawyers would have less customers.

Lock them up for longer and the legal system would not get the increase in reoffending they are enjoying at the moment.

Lock them up for longer and we would pay a bit more to keep them there but we would save a fortune in Legal Aid and court costs.

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