Next week, Parliament will consider three key pieces of legislation addressing rising youth crime: the Anti-Gang Bill, the Child Justice (Amendment) Bill, and the Misuse of Drugs Amendment Bill. The cabinet reviewed these bills on Wednesday.
These laws mainly aim to tackle the surge in criminal activities involving young people. While the Cabinet acknowledged the potential benefits of increased minimum sentences, they also noted constitutional concerns about limiting judicial discretion. For example, despite proposing a two-year minimum sentence for gun crimes, the Cabinet agreed on a five-year minimum, allowing judges and magistrates to adjust sentences based on individual cases.
The Cabinet will consult with various stakeholders—including judges, police, the Prime Minister, the Attorney General, the Bar Association, religious groups, the business community, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and NGOs—before finalizing these bills. Additionally, a Criminal Justice Board will be established to review legislative drafts related to crime, ensuring a broad range of input before bills reach Parliament.
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