# National pledges to take away right to silence when a child is murdered

> National promises new law to end right to silence for child murder suspects.
- Title: National pledges to take away right to silence when a child…
- Summary: National promises new law to end right to silence for child murder suspects. National Party will make it a Crimes Act offence to withhold information from…
- Keywords: national party, crimes act, child murder, right to silence, police, crimes act offence, politics, news, National, pledges, take, away
- Source: RNZ — https://rnz.co.nz/news/political/1978144/national-pledges-to-take-away-right-to-silence-when-a-child-is-murdered
- Author: RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa
- Published: 2026-10-17T22:12:46+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: national party, crimes act, child murder, right to silence, police, crimes act offence, politics, news
## National's new law proposal
National says it will take away a person's right to silence when a child under 12 is murdered if re-elected.
## Law enforcement impact
The law would require disclosure to police when a child under 12 dies and adults were present at the location of death.
## Child safety concerns
Child Matters says legislation needs careful scrutiny to ensure it benefits children without causing harm.
## Key takeaway

National Party will make it a Crimes Act offence to withhold information from police when a child under 12 is murdered if re-elected.