A law expert says the court system can be fixed by understanding facts - not mandatory sentences.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith hasn't ruled out the policy which would see a minimum standard set for various crimes.

Judges currently have discretion to give discounts based on aggravating or mitigating circumstances.

Former High Court judge Sir Ron Young says New Zealand has a lot of people in prison as it is.

He told Heather du Plessis-Allan the courts are already on the heavy end of sentencing, with people serving up to 20 years for murder compared to just ten, 30 years ago.

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