Fitzgerald v R - [2021] 1 NZLR 551

Criminal law — Sentence — “Three strikes” legislation — Stage-3 offence — Whether discharge without conviction available — Whether intended that sentence be disproportionately severe — Whether stage-3 provision subject to proviso that maximum sentence not be imposed in breach of fundamental rights — Sentencing Act 2002 ss 86D and 106.

New Zealand Bill of Rights — Statutory Interpretation — Whether statute can be interpreted in rights compliant way — Relationship between ss 4, 5 and 6 — Principle of legality — “Three strikes” legislation — Stage-3 offence — Whether discharge without conviction available — Whether intended that sentence be disproportionately severe — Whether stage-3 provision subject to proviso that maximum sentence not be imposed in breach of fundamental rights — Sentencing Act 2002 ss 86D and 106.