A criminal lawyer is casting doubt on the benefits of throwing the book at troubled youth.

The Act Party wants 17-year-olds to be charged as adults, and for youth justice facilities to be run by Corrections, not Oranga Tamariki.

Steve Cullen told Kate Hawkesby that the policy would make problems worse.

He says putting 17-year-olds in prison would create a fertile source for gang recruitment.

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A criminal lawyer is casting doubt on the benefits of throwing the book at troubled youth.
The Act Party wants 17-year-olds to be charged as adults, and for youth justice facilities to be run by Corrections, not Oranga Tamariki.
Steve Cullen told Kate Hawkesby that the policy would make problems worse.
He says putting 17-year-olds in prison would create a fertile source for gang recruitment.
LISTEN ABOVE

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A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.