Judges to be given new powers to set minimum sentences for 'heinous' crimes

Helen McEntee set to announce the measure today, along with new stalking laws, and reforms about how judges are appointed

Justice Minister Helen McEntee is today launching her justice plan for 2022 including measures to reduce high legal costs and new laws around stalking and non-fatal strangulation. Picture: iStock

Trial judges are to be given additional powers to ensure those convicted of “heinous” murders will serve a minimum number of years before they are released.

While murder convictions carry a mandatory life sentence, in practice the average life sentence means 20 year in prison before being released on parole.