NCJ Number
120945
Date Published
1989
Length
35 pages
Annotation
The changes in New Zealand's laws concerning the possession of knives and other offensive weapons have had some effect on custodial sentencing, although some of the effects have been insignificant and others have been the opposite of what was expected.
Abstract
The changes took place in October 1986 and August 1987. They included new definitions of offenses and substantial increases in the maximum penalties for possessing offensive weapons without a reasonable excuse. Increased convictions and penalties were the expected results of the legislation. An analysis of convictions and sentencing between October 1982 and January 1988 showed an increase in the average length of a custodial sentence, although the total number of convictions was unaffected and the overall number of custodial sentences declined slightly. The convictions were also more likely to be obtained under the section of the law requiring a lesser burden of proof than under the section requiring more proof. Finally, the legislative changes do not appear to have had a measurable deterrent effect. Data tables, appended summary of legislation, and additional results are included.