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Thorough review of proposed criminal code sought
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Posted on Sep 06 2000
Lawyer David Wiseman has asked House Speaker Benigno Fitial and Senate President Paul A. Manglona to provide the public enough time to review the proposed criminal code.
In a letter to the legislative leaders, Mr. Wiseman said members of the bar should be given a fair opportunity to comment on the comprehensive and voluminous document which would have severe consequences on the life of the people in the CNMI.
“Such concern in necessary as it is the members of the private and defense bar who cherish and fight for the constitutional rights of the people,” said Mr. Wiseman.
Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio has earlier expressed hope that the Legislature would make the revamp of the CNMI Criminal Code a top priority to make it more relevant to the changing times amid the rising criminality on the island.
A study conducted by a consulting firm hired by the Prison Task Force has strongly recommended an overhaul of the island’s criminal justice system to address the worsening crime situation.
Among the reforms outlined by the study include the creation of the criminal justice information system, strengthening of investigation and prosecution aspects and alternative jail sentencing to reduce the number of prisoners.
Chief Criminal Prosecutor Kevin Lynch has emphasized the urgency of carrying out the needed changes in the code so that it would reflect the modern time crimes. The code does not even address stalking or the use of telephone in committing crimes, which is now just being prosecuted under the disturbing the peace statute.
Mr. Lynch said the new criminal code must not only reflect the Commonwealth’s identity and values but also one that is simple enough for people to understand.
