Media Release President of the Law Society of NSW , Mr Patrick Fair , today labelled the introduction of the Government's Sentencing Legislation Further Amendment Bill as political interference of the worst kind. Mr Fair said that by caving in to populist pressure surrounding the Kevin Crump case, the Government was undermining the Court, the Department of Public Prosecutions and the Parole Board.
Hard cases make bad law.
The Supreme Court determined this year that Kevin Crump was eligible to be considered for parole in the year 2003. The Supreme Court is the body entrusted to make these rulings and does so in accordance with strict legislative guidelines. Mr Fair added the end of a minimum term sentence did not mean automatic release from prison. Being eligible to apply for parole doesn't mean that parole is routinely granted. Mr Fair said the Law Society had confidence in the independence and integrity of the Supreme Court, the DPP and the Parole Board.