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Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 727, 29 July 1929, Page 16

RIGHTS OF ARRESTED PERSONS RICH AT AN ADVANTAGE “The Rights o£ Arrested Persons” was the subject of an address to the Howard League for Penal Reform on Friday by the criminal advocate, Mr. J. J. Sullivan. Throughout the fact was stressed that in New Zealand court administration the poor man was at a real disadvantage, and did not get equal justice with the well-to-do. He suffered imprisonment while awaiting trial if high hail were imposed, yet he could well he on strict probation during this time, and earning his living. He was unable to take his case up to the Appeal Court in Wellington on account of the heavy charges and the need for a lawyer’s help. Mr. Sullivan considered that the Appeal Court should come on circuit to all the larger centres each year, and so be within reach of all. Again, the rich man could employ the best counsel for his defence, but there was no Crown defender of high standing to defend poor persons. The fee of £3 3s offered in rare cases by the Crown did not obtain efficient defence. PROOF OF GUILT “If it is the duty of the Crown to prove a guilty man guilty.” said the speaker, “it is equaly its duty to see that an innocent man is proved not guilty.” Another interesting point brought out by Mr. Sullivan was the fact that a suspected person was under no obligation to make or sign any statement at police instigation, and he should not do so, unless his solicitor were present. BRAND OF “HABITUAL” In regard to the term “habitual criminal,” the speaker was in accord with expert criminologists when saying it was an outrage to put such a label on to a man and so discourage him from making an effort to reform. He also strongly criticised tlie“faree” of reformative detention, defects in the jury system, and the lack of medical experts attached to the courts as advisers. “The Justice Department is starved because it stands above all politics and commands no votes,” said the speaker, “so that magistrates and judges are overloaded with work, and pushed for time.”