Wellington, Sept 15 NZPA - Labour is criticising the Law Society for saying the defence of provocation should be kept until something better is developed to replace it.

By Maggie Tait of NZPA Wellington, Sept 10 NZPA - The Law Society says the defence of provocation should be kept until something better is developed to replace it. But gay rights advocates say the defence is legalised gay bashing and should have been ditched years ago.

Wellington, May 21 NZPA - The budget will provide $2.3 million to set up the new offender levy, Justice Minister Simon Power said today. The $50 levy will be imposed on all convicted offenders when they are sentenced. Legislation to enact it is being processed by Parliament.

Labour is committed to a justice system that is modern, effective, fair and accessible. This will make offenders more accountable, reduce reoffending, help the victims of crime, and in turn, strengthen our communities.