Richard Worth
National Party Justice Spokesman
10 February 2005
Chief Justice beware of wading into politics
National's Justice spokesman, Richard Worth, says the Chief Justice should be more cautious about wading into political
debate.
"Dame Sian Elias' assertion that the Sentencing Act 2002 is a 'restrained and sophisticated' statute is yet another
unwelcome contribution by her to the political debate," says Dr Worth.
"The issues around sentencing will be at the very core of political debate in this year's election, and the political
parties have dramatically divergent views on the usefulness of the statute.
"Dame Sian has, therefore, taken political sides during election year. This is wholly contrary to her constitutional
role.
"It is her job to apply the law passed by Parliament, not to draw political favourites.
"In this instance, it looks strikingly as though she is making the choice for Labour," says Dr Worth.
"How can she expect other political parties to have confidence in her ability to impartially and fairly interpret the
law as the nation's Chief Justice when she enters herself directly into the political debate?"
Ends