20 Jul 2009

PM believes top judge overstepped line

5:12 pm on 20 July 2009

Prime Minister John Key believes the Chief Justice did overstep the line with her comments about dealing with overcrowding in prisons.

In a speech made last week, Dame Sian Elias suggested a range of strategies to cut the number of prisoners overall, including an early release amnesty.

The suggestions were dismissed by Justice Minister Simon Power and Mr Key on Monday said he supported that position.

Mr Key said the line between the role of the judiciary and that of the minister is a delicate one, and there is no question that Dame Sian strayed over that line.

The Prime Minister said he did not support the idea of an early release amnesty.