DEGREES OF MURDER

Press, Volume C, Issue 29524, 27 May 1961, Page 10

DEGREES OF MURDER

Decision Ry Caucus (From Oar Own RapOrtrr) WELLINGTON. May W The definition of degrees in the crime of murder was thoroughly discussed by the National Party caucus today. It is understood that toe caucus made a firm decision that the death penalty should be invoked only in cases where intent and deliberation had bean established. The results Of this discussion will appear in an amended Crimes Bill, which will be before the House of Representatives in the coming session. It will establish, for the first time in New Zealand law, that there are degrees of murder, with a maximum penalty for each. This will greatly modify the existing law. which merely provides for a death sentence when murder has been proved. A suggestion made in caucus that the opinion of the Opposition should be sought before the new law is formulated was communicated to the Leader o. the Opposition (Mr Nash) tonight. _ Mr Nash said that the Government could certainly approach him if it wished There could be no change in the Labour Party’s attitude towards capital punishment without discussion. There might be a Labour caucus before the session began on June 20.

“My personal attitude towards capital punishment is well known.” Mr Nash said “I do not think any of us has the right to take the life of another. I have repeated this to some persons who have mentioned to me the subject of capital punishment.”