Comment & Debate
Arne Peltz, a lawyer defending Canada’s inmates in the 2002 supreme court case on the matter, said, “There will be a little more dignity in prison and I think over time that will help reduce crime over the long term.”[1]
“The right to vote is not enjoyed equally by all Australians”. Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission. October 2007 – HREOC believes that enfranchisement is a powerful and positive tool to assist with social reintegration and rehabilitation of prisoners.[15] Giving prisoners the right to vote would be consistent with Australia’s obligation to ensure that:
The penitentiary system shall comprise treatment of prisoners the essential aim of which shall be their reformation and social rehabilitation.[16]