David Farrar: The new three strikes law is now operative

The new three strikes law is now operative. It is not as strong as I wanted, but still should lead to the worst criminals not getting out so quickly.

There are 43 offences (serious violent and sexual) that can cause a strike. How the strikes work:

1st – warning given if sentence is at least 12 months imprisonment

2nd – final warning given if sentence is at least 24 months imprisonment. No parole for sentence unless it is murder in which case the non-parole period is 17 years (of 15 if plead guilty).

3rd – if the sentence would normally be at least 24 months, then it is the maximum sentence for that offence (or 80% if they plead guilty). If manslaughter then a 10 year sentence (8 if plead guilty). If murder then a non parole period of 20 years (18 if plead guilty)

The normal manifestly unjust exception applies.

David Farrar runs Curia Market Research, a specialist opinion polling and research agency, and the popular Kiwiblog where this article was sourced. He previously worked in the Parliament for eight years, serving two National Party Prime Ministers and three Opposition Leaders