Report: Young Adults in the Criminal Justice System in Aotearoa New Zealand

Report, Resources

Young Adults in the Criminal Justice System in Aotearoa New Zealand: A Principled Framework for Reform

Publication date: April 2022

Authors: Nessa Lynch with contribution from Huhana Ginty

This report examines evidence and principle support that a criminal justice system should have special provision to recognise the vulnerabilities, and the potential for change, in young adults. Scientific evidence on brain development and contemporary societal norms indicate a gradual development into maturity through to the mid-twenties. Although Aotearoa New Zealand has seen some movement on initiatives for young adults in the criminal justice system, this has generally been driven by the judiciary and practitioners, rather than top-down policy or legislative change. Sentencing discounts for youth have been driven by precedent rather than statutory foundations or sentencing guidelines.

This report provides an independent and robust review of the principle, evidence and comparative examples, and analyses options for further reform and innovation. It is intended to be a resource for others, and a springboard for changes to practice, policy and legislation.

Related Borrin Foundation Grant: Young Adults in the Criminal Justice System – A Principled Framework for Reform