Manslaughter law reform

The Territory Government will make it easier to prosecute manslaughter cases.

NT Attorney-General Peter Toyne said new laws to be presented to parliament next week will amend the Criminal Code. The Government would scrap the lesser charge of "dangerous act", he said.

"This reform will send a strong message to violent offenders - you have to take responsibility for your actions," Dr Toyne said. "As the law stands now, someone who is drunk or high on drugs may not be convicted of manslaughter when that would be the appropriate result."

New offences would be introduced, including recklessly endangering life, recklessly or negligently causing serious harm and dangerous driving causing death or serious harm.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: Thur, 28 Apr 2005
Source: Northern Territory News (Australia)
Copyright: 2005 Northern Territory News
Contact: ntnmail@ntn.newsltd.com.au
Website: http://ntnews.news.com.au/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/283