The Law Association is calling the recent passing of sentencing law changes a great example of democracy in action.

The new law caps the sentence discounts judges can apply at 40% and adds new aggravating factors.

Law Association Vice President Julie-Anne Kincade told Mike Hosking issues raised —such as the wish to see the sentencing reduction proposals softened— were taken on board.

She says many select committee submitters shared similar concerns, and these seem to have been reflected.

But Kincade says they're concerned about how the new laws will increase the populations of our already full prisons.

LISTEN ABOVE