Stephen Franks (born 1950) is a New Zealand political commentator and former politician. He is a spokesperson for the Sensible Sentencing Trust. He is a member of the ACT New Zealand party, and was formerly a contender for its leadership. He is regarded as the most prominent member of ACT's more orthodox wing, which opposes what it sees as the party's increasingly populist stance. Year 1950 (MCML) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... ACT New Zealand is a free market liberal party in the New Zealand Parliament. ... Look up Populism in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ...

Franks was educated at Victoria University of Wellington, studying law. He was admitted to the Bar in 1975. He specialised in commercial law, and has held a number of senior legal positions (including the chairmanship of Chapman Tripp, a prominent law firm). Franks first entered parliament in the 1999 elections, having been ranked in third place on the party's list. This high ranking (above several sitting MPs) was indicative of ACT's high hopes for Franks at the time - as a prominent lawyer, he was generally regarded as a significant asset for the party. In Parliament, Franks' main policy portfolio was justice and law, although he has also served as the party's commerce spokesperson. Victoria Universitys Kelburn Campus. ... For other uses, see Law (disambiguation). ... Year 1975 (MCMLXXV) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... The 1999 New Zealand general election was a nationwide vote to determine the shape of the 46th session of the New Zealand Parliament. ...

When Richard Prebble announced his retirement from politics in early 2004, Franks was one of the four candidates who sought to take his place as leader of ACT. The other contenders were Rodney Hide, Ken Shirley, and Muriel Newman. Franks saw Rodney Hide, considered by many to be the front-runner, as representing a populist approach to politics, which Franks believed to detract from the party's core message. Franks emerged as the foremost "anti-Hide" leadership candidate, but despite receiving (along with Ken Shirley) the endorsement of party founder Roger Douglas, was eventually defeated. Hide became leader of the ACT party on 13 June. Franks remained the party's spokesperson for justice. The Honourable Richard William Prebble CBE, born 7 February 1948, was for many years a member of the New Zealand Parliament. ... Year 2004 (MMIV) was a leap year starting on Thursday of the Gregorian calendar. ... Rodney Hide Rodney Hide (born 16 December 1956), a New Zealand politician, became leader of the political party ACT New Zealand in 2004 and Member of Parliament for Epsom in 2005. ... Kenneth Lex Shirley (12 August 1950 - ), generally called Ken Shirley, is a New Zealand politician. ... Dr. Muriel Newman (6 April 1950 - ) is a New Zealand politician. ... Sir Roger Douglas is a former New Zealand politician and senior Cabinet minister, best known for his leading role in the radical economic restructuring undertaken by the New Zealand Labour Party government in the 1980s. ... is the 164th day of the year (165th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ...

Franks lost his seat in Parliament in the 2005 New Zealand general election when the vote for ACT reduced the party to two seats. He has since returned to practicing law, rejoining his old firm Chapman Tripp.

External link

• Personal website
• Sensible Sentencing Trust website