The issue of reducing reoffending has been an age-old challenge in criminological research and sentencing policy. Three-strikes sentencing purports to achieve this goal by imposing mandatory minimum sentences for repeat offenders.

This thesis examines the efficacy of three-strikes sentencing methods at reducing violent reoffending. This thesis begins by examining the objectives behind the introduction of New Zealand’s three-strikes regime. It then goes on to analyse the application of the regime in practice as seen in case law. Expanding upon this analysis, this thesis goes on to discuss the impact of the regime on criminal lawyers, and defendants who are subject to the regime.

Following from that, this thesis goes on to analyse the theoretical basis of the three-strikes regime, and whether New Zealand’s implementation and application of the regime is theoretically justified. Finally, this thesis discusses the potential repeal of New Zealand’s three-strikes regime, how a potential repeal may be implemented, and the practical implications of such a repeal.