Second round of public consultation

A far-reaching package of proposed legislation which was rejected by the House of Keys, towards the end of last year, is going out to public consultation for a second time.

A committee appointed by the House to scrutinise the 78-clause Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill is inviting individuals and organisations to submit written evidence.

The comments need to be in by February 25, after which sessions will be arranged for oral evidence to be taken.

Graham Bell reports (text, below, from attached audio file):

As suggested by the 'Miscellaneous Provisions' part of its name, the bill seeks to introduce and amend a wide range of offences, and it's that shear size which has hampered its progress.

The Department of Home Affairs argues that it would enhance the Isle of Man's criminal justice system, by improving current laws.

Among other things, critics say it trys to do too much, and would hand much wider powers to the police, and criminalise minor offences.

An initial public consultation produced 80 responses, on proposals relating to licensing law, sex and drug offences and community safety.