Life imprisonment has been the most severe criminal sentence in New Zealand since the death penalty was abolished in 1989, having not been used since 1957.[1]
Offenders sentenced to life imprisonment must serve a minimum of 10 years imprisonment before they are eligible for parole, although the sentencing judge may set a longer minimum period or decline to set a minimum period at all (meaning the offender will spend the rest of their life in prison). Released offenders remain on parole and are subject to electronic tagging for the rest of their life.[2]
Life imprisonment in New Zealand for crimes other than murder is relatively rare. Of 941 life sentences imposed since 1980, only seven have been for crimes other than murder – one for manslaughter in 1996, one for an act of terrorism in 2020, and five for drug offences in 1985, 1996, 2008 (two) and 2009.[3]
- ^ "Here's What's Happening in New Zealand 25 Years After Abolishing the Death Penalty". Mic. Apr 13, 2015. Retrieved Nov 10, 2019.
- ^ "FAQ". New Zealand Parole Board. Archived from the original on 28 July 2018. Retrieved 9 October 2013.
- ^ "Adults convicted in court by sentence type - most serious offence calendar year". Statistics New Zealand. Retrieved 17 March 2019.
© MMXXIII Rich X Search. We shall prevail. All rights reserved. Rich X Search