Punitive Justice and the Constable Hunt Petition w/ JustSpeak

Diane Hunt presented her petition to amend the Sentencing Act and Parole Act to Parliament last week. Her son, Constable Matthew Hunt, was killed earlier this year, with the incident garnering much media attention. The offender is currently facing charges for murder, attempted murder, and wounding - but Hunt wishes to see the sentence for murdering a police officer raised to a mandatory life sentence without parole.

Community groups advocating for criminal justice reform have voiced opposition to the peititon, believing it will exacerbate issues in Aotearoa's criminal justice system.

Hanna spoke to JustSpeak Director Tania Swicki Mead about the organisation's position against the petition, the consequences of punitive justice policy, and alternative approaches.